10 reasons to go outside & how to make it part of your routine

One of my favorite times of the day as a homeschool mom was productive free time. You know what that was? It was the “go outside so mom can have some mom time” time of the day. But, I also worked hard to provide structured outdoor time, such as nature study and scavenger hunts, because I firmly believed in the benefits of doing so. I liked a lot of what Charlotte Mason had to say about learning, so I used many of her ideas even though we were technically a more unschoolish family. I felt better when we got out to the woods and fields and they got to run and use their creativity. I have found that there are at least 10 reasons to go outside that are great for learning, health, and more.

My kids are all grown now, but I still like to spend intentional time outdoors and I share the 10 reasons to go outside with my health coaching clients. I’d like to share those benefits with you. Then, we’ll talk about how you can integrate outdoor time into your homeschool day so you, too, can enjoy some self-care.

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10 Reasons to Go Outside

1. Improved Mental Health

The first of the 10 reasons to go outside is improved mental health. Being outside in green spaces has been shown to significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Research published in Frontiers in Psychology and Environmental Health Perspectives consistently points to lower cortisol levels and improved mood among people who regularly spend time in nature. Whether it’s a walk through a wooded path or sitting on a bench while the kids play, even 15-20 minutes can have calming effects.

One of the things I really love to do to get the most out of this reason is to combine it with breathwork. As homeschool parents, we carry the mental load of curriculum planning, emotional coaching, meal prepping, and more. Regular outdoor time offers a mental reset and gives space to breathe—literally and figuratively.

2. Boosted Immune Function

According to research from Nippon Medical School in Japan, exposure to trees increases our production of natural killer (NK) cells, a type of white blood cell that supports immune function and fights illness. These benefits, often referred to as “forest bathing,” don’t require a wilderness expedition. A neighborhood park or garden can have a similar impact. This is one of the easiest of the 10 reasons to go outside. Just take a walk to your neighborhood park!

3. Increased Physical Activity

Outdoor time naturally encourages movement. Even simple activities like gardening, sweeping the patio, or walking to a nature trail get your body moving. Physical activity outdoors doesn’t need to be intense to be beneficial—it just needs to happen consistently. However, you could combine this one of 10 reasons to go outside with exercise at home to double your benefit.

4. 10 reasons to go outside: Enhanced Sleep Quality

Natural light exposure helps regulate our circadian rhythm, which can improve sleep. Especially for adults working indoors or managing screen time late into the evening, getting sunlight in the morning or early afternoon can help reset the body’s internal clock.

5. Mental Clarity and Creativity

Feeling mentally foggy or burned out? A Stanford study found that walking in natural settings (as opposed to urban environments) improves creative problem-solving and focus. For homeschool parents, that translates into better lesson planning, smoother transitions, and more patient parenting.

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6. Strengthened Relationships Through Shared Experiences

Spending time outside as a family encourages bonding without screens or distractions. Whether you’re hiking, gardening, or cloud-watching, outdoor time offers uninterrupted space to talk, laugh, and connect. My kids have many memories of building forts and fairy houses together outdoors. Help your kids make memories with this one of 10 reasons to go outside.

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7. 10 reasons to go outside: Greater Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D, known as the “sunshine vitamin,” plays a crucial role in bone health, mood regulation, and immune function. Many adults—especially those who spend most of their time indoors—are deficient. Just 10–30 minutes of midday sun exposure a few times a week can significantly boost your levels, especially in the warmer months.

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8. Lower Blood Pressure and Heart Disease Risk

Spending time in nature can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. A study published in The Journal of the American Heart Association found that even short walks in green spaces have measurable effects on cardiovascular health. For busy parents, this means lowering long-term health risks while doing something simple and enjoyable.

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9. Improved Focus and Mental Energy

Adults experience mental fatigue just like kids do. Time in nature has been shown to restore focus and improve executive function—your brain’s ability to manage tasks, emotions, and priorities. That means better lesson planning, smoother transitions between subjects, and less burnout at the end of the day.

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10. 10 reasons to go outside: Cultivated Awe and Spiritual Renewal

This is one of the best of 10 reasons to go outside. Time in nature often leads to a sense of awe and wonder—a reminder of God’s creation and your place in it. For Christian homeschooling moms, this can be a form of worship and spiritual renewal. A quiet walk, sunrise prayer, or moment of reflection by a stream can be deeply nourishing for the soul.

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Integrating 10 Reasons to Go Outside With Your Homeschool Day

So how can you actually make outdoor time a regular part of your family’s routine—without sacrificing academics or your never-ending to-do list? Here are creative, doable ways to integrate the 10 reasons to go outside into your homeschool rhythm:

1. Morning Nature Time Instead of Traditional “Circle Time”

Instead of beginning the day around the kitchen table, consider starting outside. A quick barefoot walk in the grass, listening to birds, or doing morning stretches together under the sun can help everyone—kids and adults alike—wake up with a better attitude.

Bonus idea: Use this time to read a Psalm aloud, journal in a nature notebook, or offer a prayer of gratitude. It sets a spiritual and peaceful tone for the day.

2. Outdoor Read-Alouds and Lessons

Move your history or literature lesson to the porch or backyard. Bring a picnic blanket and read aloud under a shady tree. It breaks the routine and allows for fresh air without losing academic time.

Tip: Clip pages together or use a binder clip to keep papers from flying away on breezy days.

3. Nature Walks as Science

You don’t need a microscope to study nature—just your senses. Schedule one or two nature walks per week where you observe local flora, collect leaves, or track animals. Older kids can keep journals, while younger ones can draw or use scavenger hunt sheets.

Great for lessons in: botany, weather patterns, animal behavior, environmental stewardship, and more.

4. Recess Isn’t Just for Kids

Instead of using kids’ outside playtime to check email or do chores, use part of that time to reset your own body and mind. Stretch, walk, sip herbal tea on the porch, or simply breathe. Make outdoor breaks non-negotiable for you, too.

You deserve rest and fresh air just as much as your children do.

5. Lunch Outside at Least Once a Week

Make “Picnic Friday” or “Nature Lunch Tuesday” a regular thing. Even if it’s just sandwiches and fruit on a picnic blanket, the change of scenery is refreshing.

Kids who resist mealtime often become more cooperative in new environments. Bonus!

6. Afternoon Quiet Time in Nature

Designate part of your afternoon for quiet outdoor time. This might be reading, sketching, whittling, crafting, or simply lying under the trees. It’s a great way to allow introverted family members to recharge and gives you a few peaceful minutes, too.

Try to keep phones indoors to truly enjoy the moment.

7. Weekend Family Nature Challenges

Start a family tradition of outdoor exploration. Here are some ideas:

• Try a new hiking trail every month
• Identify five new plants each weekend
• Take turns planning “Nature Adventure Saturdays”
• Participate in local park clean-ups or trail days

These build memories and strengthen the habit of getting outdoors regularly.

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But What If the Weather’s Bad?

You don’t have to skip nature just because it’s cold or rainy. With the right gear—like waterproof boots and coats, hats, and mittens—most days are still manageable. Teach your kids (and yourself!) that nature is not just for “perfect” days. There’s beauty and fun in every season.

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” – Scandinavian proverb

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Final Thoughts: A Gift for the Whole Family

As homeschooling parents, we often prioritize our children’s growth and learning—but it’s vital to nurture our own well-being too. Spending time outdoors is one of the most affordable, accessible, and effective ways to care for your body, mind, and spirit. It also sets a powerful example for your children: that nature is a place of joy, worship, and restoration.

By integrating outdoor time into your daily rhythm, you’re not just enriching your homeschool—you’re building a lifestyle of health, peace, and connection. Start small. Even five minutes outdoors can change your day.

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What are your favorite ways to include outdoor time in your homeschool day? Share your ideas or photos with us in the comments!

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