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How Keeping a Nature Journal Made Me Notice More

Nature & Wellbeing, Outdoor Tips & Ideas / takeonevideoandphotos@gmail.com

Writing observations in a nature journal outdoors

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through one of them, Time to Get Outside may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Paying Attention to the Little Things

I used to finish a walk remembering the general feeling of it but forgetting most of the small details. A simple nature journal changed that.

I do not write pages. A few lines are enough: a bird I noticed, the colour of the sky, the first changing leaves, an interesting tree, or something different about a familiar route. Writing it down makes me pay more attention while I am actually outside.

What to Write Down

Birds or wildlife you noticed.
Weather, clouds, sunrise, or sunset colours.
Flowers, trees, or seasonal changes.
A new park, path, bench, or viewpoint.
One thing you had never noticed before.

If you want a ready-made reason to look more closely, pair the journal with our Neighborhood Nature Challenge or the Park Passport Challenge.

Keep It Simple

A small notebook and pen are enough. If bird watching becomes part of the habit, our guide to the best binoculars for casual nature lovers is a useful next step.

You can also use journaling during a short daily outdoor break. The 20-minute outdoor challenge gives you an easy routine to attach it to.

Buy on Amazon USA

LEUCHTTURM1917 Medium A5 Notebook

A sturdy notebook with plenty of room for short notes, lists, and sketches.

Fisher Space Pen

A compact pen that is easy to keep in a daypack or jacket pocket.

Rite in the Rain All-Weather Notebook

A practical choice if you often write outside in damp or changing weather.

Final Thoughts

A nature journal is less about writing well and more about noticing well. Keep it short, keep it easy, and let the notebook become a record of the ordinary outdoor moments you would otherwise forget.

Buy on Amazon Canada

LEUCHTTURM1917 Medium A5 Notebook

A durable notebook for observations, lists, and simple outdoor sketches.

Fisher Space Pen

Small enough to keep with your everyday outdoor gear.

Rite in the Rain All-Weather Notebook

A useful option for journaling outdoors when the weather is not perfect.

How Keeping a Nature Journal Made Me Notice More Read More »

The Best Places to Sit Outside When You Don’t Have a Backyard

Relaxing outdoors in a public green space without a backyard

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through one of them, Time to Get Outside may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

You Do Not Need a Backyard to Get Outside

A backyard is convenient, but it is not required. Parks, waterfronts, public gardens, plazas, trails, and even a quiet bench near a library or coffee shop can become a regular outdoor spot.

Good Places to Sit Outside

Local parks: easy access to benches, shade, walking paths, and open space.
Waterfronts: rivers, lakes, ponds, and beaches often have relaxing views and public seating.
Community gardens: a quieter option with plenty to look at.
Public plazas: useful when you want fresh air without leaving the neighbourhood.
Nature trails: find a bench, viewpoint, or picnic area and stay awhile.

Need ideas for finding new spots? Try the Park Passport Challenge or our guide to hidden places worth exploring in your neighbourhood.

Bring Comfort With You

If public seating is limited, a lightweight folding chair or outdoor blanket gives you more options. Our guide to why a folding chair is so useful outdoors is worth a look, and a small daypack makes it easy to carry a drink, book, or light layer.

Buy on Amazon USA

GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Chair

A comfortable portable chair for parks, beaches, events, and relaxed outdoor stops.

YETI Rambler 20 oz Tumbler

Useful when your outdoor break includes coffee, tea, or a cold drink.

Wise Owl Outfitters Outdoor Blanket

Easy to carry when you want to sit on grass, sand, or a picnic area.

Final Thoughts

Do not wait for a private yard to make outdoor time part of your routine. Find one public place you enjoy, make it easy to get there, and treat it like an extension of home.

Buy on Amazon Canada

GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Chair

A portable chair for parks, beaches, and public outdoor spaces.

YETI Rambler 20 oz Tumbler

A handy tumbler for coffee or a cold drink outside.

Wise Owl Outfitters Outdoor Blanket

A lightweight option for sitting comfortably on grass or sandy areas.

The Best Places to Sit Outside When You Don’t Have a Backyard Read More »

Why I Started Watching Sunsets Instead of TV

Nature & Wellbeing, Outdoor Tips & Ideas / takeonevideoandphotos@gmail.com

Watching a sunset outdoors instead of staying inside

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through one of them, Time to Get Outside may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

A Better Way to End the Day

For years, I ended most evenings the same way—sitting in front of the TV. One evening, I took my coffee outside instead.

As the sun dropped, the sky changed colour minute by minute. It was simple, quiet, and far more interesting than I expected.

Since then, sunset watching has become one of my favourite outdoor habits. It gives me a reason to step outside and put the screen away for a while.

Make It Easy to Repeat

You do not need a scenic overlook. A park bench, lakeshore, backyard chair, or open stretch of sky can be enough. For ideas, see our guide to finding a good sunset spot near you.

If you like the same idea in the morning, try becoming a sunrise hunter. And if comfort is what keeps you outside longer, our folding chair guide is worth a look.

Buy on Amazon USA

GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Chair
A comfortable chair for longer sunset stops.

YETI Rambler 20 oz Tumbler
Useful for coffee, tea, or a cold drink while you watch the sky change.

Nikon Trailblazer 8×25 Binoculars
A compact option for casual bird and wildlife viewing before sunset.

Wise Owl Outfitters Outdoor Blanket
Handy when you would rather sit on the grass than bring a chair.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes the easiest way to spend more time outside is to replace one indoor habit with an outdoor one. Trade one evening of television for a sunset and see whether it sticks.

Buy on Amazon Canada

GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Chair
A comfortable portable seat for parks, lakeshores, and backyard evenings.

YETI Rambler 20 oz Tumbler
A practical drink container for cool or warm evenings outside.

Nikon Trailblazer 8×25 Binoculars
Compact binoculars for casual nature watching.

Wise Owl Outfitters Outdoor Blanket
Useful for relaxing on the grass while you wait for sunset.

Why I Started Watching Sunsets Instead of TV Read More »

The Best Budget Gear for Spending More Time Outdoors

Outdoor Gear, Outdoor Tips & Ideas / takeonevideoandphotos@gmail.com

Affordable outdoor gear for simple walks, parks and day trips

Affiliate disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

You do not need expensive equipment to spend more time outside. Four simple items cover a surprising number of walks, park visits, beach days and backyard afternoons.

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The Best Budget Gear for Spending More Time OutdoorsRead More »

The Best Budget Gear for Spending More Time Outdoors Read More »

Why I Started Taking My Coffee Outside Every Morning

Backyard & Outdoor Living, Outdoor Tips & Ideas / takeonevideoandphotos@gmail.com

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through one of them, Time to Get Outside may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

I started taking my morning coffee outside instead of drinking it indoors, and it quickly became one of the easiest outdoor habits to keep.

It might be the deck, a backyard chair, or a nearby park bench. The location matters less than the simple routine: coffee in hand, a few quiet minutes, and no need to turn it into a workout.

Why the Habit Stuck

It gets me outside before the day gets busy.
It gives me a short break from screens.
It makes me notice the weather, birds, and changing light.
It often turns five minutes outside into fifteen or twenty.
It requires almost no planning.

If you like quiet mornings, you might also enjoy becoming a sunrise hunter. If you want a slightly bigger goal, try the One-Hour Outdoor Reset Challenge.

A Simple Setup

You do not need much: a comfortable seat, an insulated mug, and maybe a small table or blanket when the weather is cooler. For chair ideas, see our guide to folding chairs for outdoor relaxing.

Buy on Amazon USA

Folding Camping Chair
An easy way to create a comfortable coffee spot almost anywhere.

Insulated Travel Mug
Keeps your drink hot while you sit outside a little longer.

Small Outdoor Side Table
A convenient place for a mug, book, or phone.

Outdoor Throw Blanket
Useful for cooler mornings and shoulder-season outdoor time.

Final Thoughts

Not every outdoor habit has to be ambitious. Sometimes the easiest way to spend more time outside is to move something you already do every day. Morning coffee is a pretty good place to start.

Buy on Amazon Canada

Folding Camping Chair
A simple outdoor seat for coffee, reading, or quiet mornings.

Insulated Travel Mug
Helps keep your coffee warm while you enjoy the fresh air.

Small Outdoor Side Table
A handy surface for a mug and a few essentials.

Outdoor Throw Blanket
A useful extra for cool mornings.

Why I Started Taking My Coffee Outside Every Morning Read More »

Essential Gear for a Comfortable Day at the Beach

Camping & Micro-Adventures, Outdoor Gear, Outdoor Tips & Ideas / takeonevideoandphotos@gmail.com

Affiliate disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

A good beach setup is mostly about removing little annoyances: nowhere comfortable to sit, warm drinks, sand around the phone or realizing too late that you forgot shade and sun protection.

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Essential Gear for a Comfortable Day at the BeachRead More »

Essential Gear for a Comfortable Day at the Beach Read More »

How Spending 20 Minutes Outside Can Improve Your Day

Outdoor Tips & Ideas, Walking & Everyday Outdoors / takeonevideoandphotos@gmail.com

Taking a short outdoor break to reset during the day

You don’t need hours of free time to enjoy being outdoors. Even a short break outside can help you step away from screens, change your scenery, and reset the pace of your day.

A walk around the neighborhood, coffee on the patio, or a quiet park bench can all work. The important part is making the outdoor break easy enough that you actually do it.

If 20 minutes feels manageable, try our 20-minute outdoor challenge. If you want a slightly bigger weekly goal, the One-Hour Outdoor Reset Challenge gives you another simple option.

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through one of them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Buy on Amazon USA

Portable Folding Chair · Insulated Water Bottle · YETI Rambler Travel Mug · Columbia Sun Hat · JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth Speaker

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to turn every outing into exercise. Sometimes sitting outside for a while is enough. For more ideas, see how to enjoy the outdoors when you don’t feel like exercising.

Buy on Amazon Canada

Portable Folding Chair · Insulated Water Bottle · YETI Rambler Travel Mug · Columbia Sun Hat · JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth Speaker

How Spending 20 Minutes Outside Can Improve Your Day Read More »

The Best Places to Watch a Sunset Near You

Camping & Micro-Adventures, Outdoor Tips & Ideas / takeonevideoandphotos@gmail.com

Watching a colorful sunset from a quiet outdoor viewpoint

Few things are as easy to enjoy as a good sunset. You don’t need a major trip—just a clear western view and a place where you can slow down for a while.

Where to Look

Lakeshores, beaches, riverfronts, parks, lookout points, open fields, and elevated areas are all worth trying. Local trails can also have surprisingly good views if they open toward the west.

Keep the Setup Simple

A comfortable chair, your favorite drink, and a phone or camera are usually enough. If sunset watching starts becoming a habit, read why I started watching sunsets instead of TV. If you like early starts too, try becoming a sunrise hunter.

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through one of them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Buy on Amazon USA

Portable Folding Chair · Insulated Travel Mug · Compact Binoculars · Bluetooth Speaker · Smartphone Tripod

Final Thoughts

A sunset is free, different every day, and easy to build into an ordinary evening. Find one spot you like and go back at different times of year—the view will keep changing.

Buy on Amazon Canada

Portable Folding Chair · Insulated Travel Mug · Compact Binoculars · Bluetooth Speaker · Smartphone Tripod

The Best Places to Watch a Sunset Near You Read More »

Why a Folding Chair Is One of the Most Useful Outdoor Purchases

Backyard & Outdoor Living, Camping & Micro-Adventures, Outdoor Tips & Ideas / takeonevideoandphotos@gmail.com

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through one of them, Time to Get Outside may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

A folding chair is one of those simple outdoor purchases that gets used far more often than expected. It turns a park, lakeshore, campsite, backyard or outdoor event into somewhere comfortable to stop instead of somewhere you rush through.

…

Why a Folding Chair Is One of the Most Useful Outdoor PurchasesRead More »

Why a Folding Chair Is One of the Most Useful Outdoor Purchases Read More »