27 Fun Ideas to Prevent You From Becoming a Hermit

Earlier this week, I was working from my laptop when my dog Belka, a half-Frenchie/half Boston came up to me with a sad, sad look. Then, he started in on the paw-pawing, finally, he started with his unique blend of whining and screaming that sounds like a cross between a newborn baby and possibly a goblin. He needed some attention and to get out of the house. It was at that moment that I realized it had been days  since I took him for a walk (relax, we have a doggie door) and days  since I’d even left the house. I knew I needed to make getting out of the house a priority. 

I hadn’t even noticed. Somehow, the week had been too busy for our morning walk and I broke all my own rules. The time just slipped away. Wondering how many other times this has happened, I also realized that I wasn’t fully appreciating my home anymore.I’m a homebody at heart and I adore working from home. I love my home and spending time in it. But, I remember how years ago when I didn’t work from home, a delicious Sunday breakfast at home was that much more special. Now, I’m here all.the.time. And it doesn’t always have the same magical feeling that it used to hold over me.

I can’t be the only one this is an issue for, can I?

If you’re a freelancer or a solopreneur who works from home, I’m guessing some of you might need to remind yourself to get out into the big wide world occasionally too. Trying new things can make you more creative & successful.

Getting out of the house will restore your mental energy, increase creativity, and boost memory!Click To Tweet

Many people get into working for themselves for the freedom and flexibility and this sounds great and all, but you’ve got to get out the front door to make that happen. 

No matter how cozy your home may be, there are a bunch of reasons to get out of the house more often. Improved eye health; better sleep; increased creativity; clearer thinking; on and on. The benefits aren’t just about getting into nature either. Trying new things and having experiences will make you more successful.

Here are 27 Fun Ways to Inspire Us to Get Out and Enjoy the Flexibility that Comes with Working for Ourselves:

 

1. Take a thermos of coffee to a park or nature preserve.
2. Walk your dog around your neighborhood (or borrow a dog!).
3. Have a picnic lunch in your yard or nearby picnic grounds.
4. Work from the library.
5. Try going on a hunt for natural or found objects like cool rocks or interesting pieces of wood.
6. Get a wild foods identification guide and check out THIS MAP to forage for food in your own town.
7. Do a walking meditation.
8. Look for “free wifi” on Yelp and pick a new place to work from for a few hours.
9. Bust out the binoculars and spy on the neighbors… I mean birds.
10. See what free or inexpensive classes are offered at your local community center and give one a try. Also, Jazzercise is still way fun.
11. Grab a friend or a remote + tripod for your phone and do a mini photoshoot somewhere interesting looking in your town.
12. Go for a walk or a jog in a neighborhood you love but isn’t the one you live in.
13. Find a peaceful spot to be alone and journal outdoors.
14. Grab your phone or camera and go on a local photo safari/walking photo tour of your town.
15. Find a store that sells only or mostly local goodies and put together a gift basket for a client.
16. Visit a plant nursery and take note of what does well in your climate, enjoy being around all the greenery, and maybe pick up a plant or two.
17. Have a brainstorming session at a German pub in the afternoon.

18. Go to a busy location, turn your phone OFF, and do some good old-fashioned people watching. Click To Tweet

19. Go to a thrift store and hunt for a small treasure.
20. Look for your town’s free museum days and go with the goal of getting inspired for a work or personal project.
21. Meditate in a botanical garden or park.
22. Make a list of your town’s famous attractions (however humble) and check them off one by one.
23. Go to the beauty counter in a department store or mall and get all made up for no reason.
24. Pick a pumpkin from a pumpkin patch.
25. Is there a movie theater in your town that shows independent or older films? Go see a matinee.
26. Places like Home Depot and Lowes often have free classes where you can learn all sorts of DIY skills. Give one a try.
27. Volunteer. This is a great way to make connections and build relationships while supporting a cause you believe in. It can also be a great way to learn new skills.

These are some fun and affordable ways to have mini adventures I’ll be incorporating into my day. I hope you give some of them a try.

How do you like to spend time outside of the house? What activities should I add to my list?

Let me know in the comments!