Simple Ways to Get Fresh Air When You’re Stuck at Home

4 minute read

By Heather Fishel

Whether you’re stuck inside because of the weather, illness, or any other reason, it can be a challenging time. You can find simple ways to help you get some fresh air and a change of scenery when you’re stuck at home with a search online.

Being cooped up inside your own home might sound great – after all, you can stay indoors, in your most comfortable clothes, lounging all day long. But after a while, staying inside can really wear on your overall health.

1. Open Your Windows and Doors

One of the easiest, quickest ways to bring the great outdoors into your home is to open up your windows and doors. Open the windows throughout your home, and leave your back door open (if you have a screen). Doing this will bring fresh air flowing into your living space. It can refresh your home, introduce new, moving air into a stale space, and give you a peek outside as you listen to the sounds outside.

This is also a great way to bring in natural light. You’ll get a dose of both fresh air and sunlight, which can lift your mood and spirit. Even if it’s a bit chilly outside, this literal breath of fresh air can be reinvigorating.

2. Camp in Your Backyard

Just because you’re stuck at home doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of the outdoor space that’s part of your property. And if you have a backyard, why not put it to use by spending an afternoon or evening out in the fresh air? You can easily turn a backyard into a campground.

All you need is a tent and a few sleeping bags. You can set up a campsite in your backyard, popping open a tent and planning to spend a night “camping” outdoors. You can create a campfire if you have a backyard fire pit, or you can make s’mores inside for an authentic experience. It’s a great staycation idea that gives you the opportunity to enjoy the night sky, the fresh air, and even your own backyard.

3. Become a Bird Watcher

Bird watching might seem like a bit of a slow hobby, but it’s perfect for anyone who’s stuck at home. You can practice bird watching indoors or outdoors, from your living room or your balcony.

And bird watching offers a great way to get some fresh air. All you need to do is sit and observe birds in your neighborhood – or even your front or back yards. If you’d like, you can use a pair of binoculars, or you can observe local birds with your eyes alone.

You can bird watch near an open window, which allows you to listen and observe comfortably. Or, you can step onto your porch, out into your yard, or onto a balcony for a bit of outdoor bird watching.

4. Have a Picnic in Your Yard

If you’re looking to spend a little time outside in fresh air, try setting up a picnic in your yard. You don’t have to leave the house – you can simply pack a picnic basket and step outside.

Treat your yard, patio, or balcony like any other perfect picnicking spot. Grab a blanket and your favorite picnic basket, and pack a selection of snacks, sandwiches, and other treats. You can then set up your picnic spread outdoors, dine in the open air, and relax.

A home picnic can be enjoyed regardless of the weather. Even if it’s a bit chilly, you can dress warmly and enjoy some hot foods for a few minutes. It’s a good way to take a break from your indoor living space, and you can enjoy a solo picnic or include your family or roommates.

5. Plant a Garden

If you’re staying indoors, you might be getting tired of the same few activities: browsing the internet, reading, and lounging around the house. So, if the weather is warm enough, why not take up a new activity outside, like gardening?

Gardening is a great way to get outside, take in fresh air, and still remain right at home. You can redesign your backyard, set up a home vegetable garden, or simply choose your favorite flowers or herbs to plant. You can get your hands dirty, work with nature, and enjoy your own little space outdoors whenever you’d like.

Even those with small living spaces may be able to create and plant a garden. You can plant a few different plants in pots, grow a little garden on a balcony or patio, and even find shared gardens in some apartment complexes.

6. Practice Stargazing

No matter the time of year, you can take advantage of time spent at home by getting outside to stargaze. All you need to do a bit of stargazing is your own two eyes and a little bit of space outside.

Stargazing is a great way to get some fresh air – and it’s a wonderful solo activity. Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or a new stargazer, you can step outside and look at the night sky from anywhere, including right at home. Download a smartphone app, like SkyView Lite, Star Chart, or the NASA app, and you’ll have a handy guide to understand what you’re seeing as you gaze up at the night sky.

Heather Fishel

Contributor