{"id":1607,"date":"2020-03-18T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-03-18T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.masterspas.com\/blog\/?p=1607"},"modified":"2026-01-09T14:07:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T14:07:09","slug":"stuck-at-home-enjoy-the-great-outdoors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.masterspas.com\/blog\/stuck-at-home-enjoy-the-great-outdoors\/","title":{"rendered":"Stuck at home? 7 ways to enjoy the great outdoors"},"content":{"rendered":"

Work, school, restaurants \u2014\u00a0much of our daily activities have been canceled as we practice social distancing and shelter from home.<\/p>\n

But there\u2019s one thing that has not been canceled: the outdoors.<\/p>\n

With the rapidly changing situation, it can be hard to look away from screens. But a daily dose of Mother Nature can offer some much-needed solace, respite, and rejuvenation.<\/p>\n

According to the EPA, a survey of 9,000 Americans found that 87 percent of people were spending time indoors. Studies have concluded that there is a higher rate of\u00a0depression<\/a>\u00a0associated with lack of outdoor time.<\/p>\n

Taking a moment to grab a breath of fresh air can boost your serotonin levels, alleviate stress, and give your brain a chance to unwind. Those are some things we could all use right now.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2014\u00a0Naturalist John Muir<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"outdoor
Your backyard can be a retreat during these challenging times. Take advantage of the fresh air and vitamin D as you connect with your family in new ways. Go for a walk, play games, or soak in your hot tub.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7 Great Ideas for Outdoor Family Time<\/h2>\n

Garden Walk<\/h4>\n

When was the last time you evaluated your outdoor space? Spring is here, and there are flowers starting to bloom. This down time can be an opportunity to see what perennials you have, whether there are any holes, and areas that you want to improve. Spend a moment taking it all in, even sketching a map, as you walk around the space. Snap some photos of the places that need attention and explore\u00a0backyard ideas<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Bust a Move<\/h4>\n

Research shows<\/a>\u00a0that listening to music can boost a person\u2019s mood. Turn on your favorite playlist and have a dance party in your backyard. Take your shoes off and feel the grass beneath your feet. Or, take a cue from Aqua Zumba and have a dance party in a\u00a0swim spa by Master Spas<\/a>. Put a waterproof speaker near your spa and put on an\u00a0upbeat playlist<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Stream a Workout<\/h4>\n

It might be difficult to get to the gym right now. However, exercising can be an important component of self-care during this time. There are many virtual workout options that allow you to break a sweat without breaking social distancing rules. You can set up your phone or tablet outside and stream a workout. Triathletes can move their bike set-ups and take on Watopia.<\/p>\n

Or, if you have a swim spa, use the table mount to stream exercises from Master Spas\u2019 video library<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"outdoor
Escape the indoors and enjoy what the outdoors have to offer. In the evening, take some time to look at the stars. The view is even better from a Master Spas hot tub.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Star Sightings<\/h4>\n

We might not be headed to the theater to see our favorite stars but you can head outside to see the\u00a0stars<\/em>. If you are working with school-age children, spend part of the day on an astronomy lesson and then camp out in the backyard after dinner. Have the kids point out the constellations and make up stories to go along with them.<\/p>\n

Even if you don\u2019t have young family members at home, it can be relaxing to gaze at the night sky. If you have a\u00a0Master Spas hot tub<\/a>, you can use the Wi-Fi module to turn on the pumps and set the temperature. The combination of night sky, warm water, and massage jets might be magical.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing beats getting into a hot tub, looking up at the stars, and releasing the stress out of your body after being inside most of the day!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2014\u00a0Florence, New Mexico<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"stuck
Start a new book or take your yoga practice outside while you practice social distancing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Take a Deep Breath and Stretch<\/h4>\n

During this time, it can be a good practice to check in with yourself. How are you feeling? Do you feel stressed? Are you carrying tension in your neck and shoulders?<\/p>\n

Incorporating elements of yoga can offer myriad benefits, from decreased anxiety to reduced inflammation.\u00a0According to a 2016 study<\/a>, \u201cyoga practice may help to improve systemic health of patients, reduced depression and anxiety, and cause better wound healing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Many yoga instructors offer an outdoor practice as weather permits. And while you might not be able to gather with your friends, you can still enjoy the elements. Unroll your mat on the patio or practice barefoot on the grass.<\/p>\n

Another option is to take advantage of water\u2019s natural properties and stretch in a hot tub or swim spa. Alternate between sitting in the hydrotherapy seats and stretching in the main spa area. The warm water will allow you to achieve a better range of motion and relieve tension.<\/p>\n

Related post:\u00a0<\/em>10 Stretching Exercises for Your Hot Tub<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Turn the Page<\/h4>\n

A book is a great way to escape reality, and a light summer read could help you feel like you are on vacation. While there\u2019s something to say for curling up and reading a book on the couch, you can read outside. Maybe you have a hammock or outdoor couch, where you can curl up with a tablet. (Digital versions may be the best alternative as some libraries are closed!) If you choose an audiobook, you can\u00a0stream it via Bluetooth\u00a0so you can enjoy it as you relax in your Master Spas hot tub or swim spa.<\/p>\n

Regular Maintenance<\/h4>\n

If you are a hot tub or swim spa owner, the time at home could be put to good use. Reference\u00a0your owner\u2019s manual<\/a>\u00a0and perform any regular maintenance that your spa requires. Shock the water, rinse the filter, clean the spa cabinet.<\/p>\n

Other outdoor maintenance to consider: Sweeping out the patio, scrubbing down your patio furniture, replacing outdoor lighting, putting a fresh coat of stain on your deck. In the end, all of the spring chores will create an inviting outdoor living space that you\u2019ll want to enjoy now and beyond.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Work, school, restaurants \u2014\u00a0much of our daily activities have been canceled as we practice social distancing and shelter from home. But there\u2019s one thing that has not been canceled: the outdoors. With the rapidly changing situation, it can be hard to look away from screens. But a daily dose of Mother Nature can offer some Continue Reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":1618,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1607","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-backyard-planning"],"yoast_head":"\nStuck at home? 7 ways to enjoy the great outdoors | Backyard Planning<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Are you stuck at home? Get a much needed escape and grab a breath of fresh air. 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