Hug a tree, touch some grass, get outside

Nothing is quite the same as the first breath of spring air. It’s a sign of brighter times after a long and cold winter. The sun shines brighter, and life starts to return to the gray, drab surroundings we’ve become accustomed to. 

However, many people, students especially, spend more time than they realize on their phones, doomscrolling. We’ve all heard countless times that “fresh air is good for you,” yet we continue unhealthy habits like excessive screentime. 

Getting outside more, even for a short break while at work or school, can clear the mind and relieve stress. Taking a minute for a few deep breaths of fresh air and to feel the sun on your face can be a quick but effective reset, even during a busy day. 

Going outside for a walk or sitting is good for your mental health and boosts your mood, and it can also improve the quality of your sleep. Even if you aren’t physically exerting yourself, clean outdoor air has more oxygen and breathing more of it helps settle the body. 

Another good way to get outside is by picking up an outdoor hobby. Hobbies like foraging, gardening, biking, hiking and hammocking are all ways to explore the outdoors while trying something new. More intense outdoor activities to try are fishing, camping, swimming and sports like volleyball or badminton. 

Public parks, gardens and nature centers are also accessible options for spending time outside. Delta’s main campus alone has seven miles of walkable trails, the inner courtyard and landscaping around each building, making it easy for even the busiest students to step outside.

Delta’s trails consist of the Green, Orange and Blue trails along with the Sculpture Walk. The Green trail, which stretches nearly five miles, starts on the east side of campus by the Covered Bridge Trailhead. The Orange trail is also located on the east side of campus, but it is a short two-mile trail. The Blue trail, a small one-mile loop, also on the east side, is accessible by the Covered Bridge Trailhead. Lastly, Delta’s Sculpture Walk is a free outdoor exhibit located across the main campus. 

While enjoying these outdoor spaces, it is important to note that wherever you are, you should leave no trace. Since public outdoor spaces are so vital to individual mental health, it’s key to keep them clean. To ensure that public spaces like parks can continue to exist and benefit local communities, everyone must take the environment into account. When the surrounding environment is thriving, the community thrives as well. 

To prevent affecting the environment while still being able to enjoy it, leave it the same way that you found it. Don’t litter; if you see garbage, pick it up and throw it away in a trash can or recycling bin. Leave nature where it belongs; don’t pick flowers or leaves, break branches, or take anything home. Respect the wildlife; keep dogs leashed, don’t feed wild animals and avoid scaring animals. 

We all know that going outside is good for us. However, just like drinking water, we don’t always do it. Getting outside is easy when it’s walking to and from the car, into class, work, or the store. However, it’s hard to get outside with the intention of staying outside. 

The more time that busy, overwhelmed students spend outdoors, the more they will start to see a change in their behavior and sleep patterns. Start slowly, by setting a small goal for yourself to get outside. Once that goal becomes a habit, evolve it into picking up an outdoor hobby or exploring somewhere new. Getting fresh air doesn’t have to be a chore.