Fall Outdoor Activities to Increase Mindfulness

Now that it's September, it's easy to dream of cooler temperatures, fall decorations, and changing foliage. Whether those things are happening now where you are located or maybe you have to wait a couple more months, there are many things to look forward to. In the north, it also means that cold weather will be here before you know it, so make use of the nice weather days now by being outside as much as you can.

There have been many studies that show that being outside can reduce the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline, lower blood pressure, lower short-term levels of depression and anxiety, and lowered perceived stress after stressful events. Read more about that and two breakthrough studies linking nature and our emotions here.

Knowing that nature is important to our mental health and the weather in the fall can be amazing for outdoor activities, here are some activities to do this fall that allow you to be outdoors (by yourself or with family and friends) to reap those mental and physical benefits of nature while increasing mindfulness:

1. Apple picking

2. Eat a meal outside

3. Horseback riding

4. Corn maze

5. Yoga outside

6. Pick up trash in a community/beach/park

7. Hike

8. Ride a bike

9. Rake leaves/do yardwork

10. Start a fall garden

11. Outdoor home improvement projects

12. Sit outside and read a book or write in a journal

13. Picnic

14. Watch a sunset

15. Leave nice chalk messages for neighbors

There are so many more fun fall activities you can do to increase mindfulness, but these are some that came to my mind easily. Which are you most excited to do this fall? Who will you spend time doing this with? What other activities can you think of that aren't on this list? I'd love to hear your answers in the comments!