CECE SLADOVNIK/THE CREIGHTONIAN

I love the first warm days of spring on campus. The fountain turns on, the rocking chairs roll out and everyone creeps from the depths of their dorms and desks to join each other on the mall. For a few days, everyone seems to recognize how much of a gift it is to be outside. I only wish we could continue this warm enthusiasm. As we head into the summer, there is no excuse not to spend more time outdoors. 

Humans are designed to be outside. Studies show that only looking at the sharp right angles of the indoors can be harmful to both our creativity and happiness. Conversely, viewing the complex, repeating patterns found only in nature, including clouds, tree branches and rivers, reduces stress and mental fatigue. Living a sedentary lifestyle and inundating our brains with constant entertainment has sadly become far too normalized. Going outside, something that for ages was a natural part of human existence, is now something we must make a conscious effort to include in our days. Instead of recognizing it as a need, we treat being outside as a hobby or something superfluous. 

It is preposterous to me how overlooked outside time is by society because spending time outdoors brings us everything that makes our lives good and enjoyable. We find community through shared outdoor activities, or just through being in public and greeting the people around us. Movement and fresh air can heal a soul and bring a positive outlook to the worst days. You don’t need special vitamins or a crazy morning routine to lower cortisol levels; you just need to be hit with direct sunlight for a few minutes. 

I always hear people lamenting about how kids now, compared to when we were little, do not spend enough time playing outdoors. Instead, they are inside playing Roblox or learning new brain rot terms. But what about us? If we get into the habit of never going outside, the generations after us will have no one to learn from. Spending more time outside daily can have instrumental effects on the health, creativity and happiness of our society for years to come. 

As spring turns into summer, I implore you to spend more time outside. Plan a sand volleyball or pickleball night with friends. Walk to the farmer’s market. Park in a farther spot in the grocery store parking lot on purpose. Do your work on a bench on the mall.  Even a ten-minute walk outside can do wonderous things for your wellbeing.