Plant a Garden – From simple container gardens to backyard plots, having a garden provides many benefits. The satisfaction of watching sprouts pop up from the soil and buds turning into fruit really does increase happiness. Plus, gardening is an excellent way to exercise regularly – all that movement burns calories and helps keep joints and muscles active. Sound interesting?

Explore a Forest – Walking along a wooded trail surrounded by large trees, ferns, and wildlife can lift spirits. Try just standing in one place with your feet firmly planted on the ground. Close your eyes, breathe slowly a few times, and experience the calming effect this can have. Sound interesting?

Start Birding – No matter where you live, bird-watching can become your new favorite pastime. Whether you're watching birds peck for food in a birdfeeder or observing beautiful, majestic birds in flight, it will bring a smile to your face. The free Audubon app is a great way to get started. It tells you where to find bird-watching sights near you and helps you identify birds in the wild. Sound interesting?

Will you try to get out more each day and find new ways to experience nature up close and personal?