Have you ever wanted to spend time outside, exploring, or going on some sort of adventure but were unable to for some reason? There are many reasons you may not be able to go out, maybe the weather is bad or you don’t have enough time to really go where you want. Lately, there have been many closures of public spaces, limitations to travel, and general nervousness when going out in response to current events. This has allowed me to reflect on what I normally do to connect with nature when unable to go out and come up with new ideas as well. Here are the ideas I came up with to help connect with nature when unable to get out. 

Exercise

If you normally spend time outside doing something that requires a little bit of strength such as backcountry hiking or portaging working on the muscles you would use could benefit you when you are finally able to get out. Plus, it’s good for your overall health. I find if I relate a workout to hiking I am much more motivated to continue so I can see my progress when I can hit the trails again.

Prepare or maintain equipment

Could your equipment use some attention and care? Maybe you have a tent zipper that needs to be replaced, a sleeping bag that needs to be cleaned, hiking boots that need to be glued, or sleeping pad that needs to be patched. If you have a little bit of time but can’t go out this is the perfect time to maintain some equipment you will need for your next adventure.

Experiment with camp recipes

You can either experiment with camp recipes perfect for drive-in sites (where you have access to coolers and fresh foods) or recipes for backcountry sites (where you generally carry non-perishable and light foods). If trying out recipes for drive-in sites you can really try a variety of things using the campfire or the camp equipment you have. For backcountry recipes I have been experimenting with dehydrating foods, adding spices, and making an instant meal to just add boiling water to.

Research your next adventure

This is probably one of my favourite ones on this list. Looking up places and routes you would love to do is always exciting. It can also give you something to work towards if it is a little bit longer or more difficult than you are used to. I normally start by looking up articles or recommendations for places then dig a little deeper by looking at maps and specific routes.

Art – paint, photography, scrapbooking

If you normally shoot photos of your adventures, going back and looking at some of them can be a good way to appreciate places you have been. Painting a scene or putting together a scrapbook of some of the places you have been can be a great way to unwind while looking back on previous experiences. 

Music

Do you normally love playing or listening to music by the fire? Why not practice your favourites or learn a couple of new ones. If you aren’t into playing music you can always put together playlists of your favourites that remind you of the outdoors. I have numerous albums that remind me of the drive to some of my favourite places.

These are just some of the ideas I like to do when unable to get outside, I would love to hear about anyone else’s as well!