Need a dose of the outdoors?

By Kane Ford, founder of Get Outside Melbourne.

The current COVID-19 isolation restrictions aren’t ideal if you’re addicted to life on the trail like me, but there are some easy ways everyone can bring a taste of the outdoors inside if you think creatively.

1. DISCOVER YOUR FAVOURITE ‘URBAN HIKE’

Walk around your local area whether it’s a park, an urban trail or just around the block. Leave your headphones at home. Engage with your neighbours as you pass them. Smile. Say hello. You’ll be surprised at how great it makes you feel.

2. PLAN YOUR COMEBACK HIKE

Let’s face it, we’ve got some time on our hands right now. Use this unique opportunity it to get excited and plan your first post-isolation adventure. It might be your favourite local trail or something on the bucket list, but let your imagination go nuts so you’ve got something positive to focus on when restrictions are lifted.

3. GET ‘OFF-TRAIL’ WITH YOUR LAPTOP

Working from home doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be cooped up in your study or perched on the kitchen table. Grab your laptop and spend an afternoon working from your backyard or balcony.

4. ‘GREENIFY’ YOUR WORKSPACE

If you’re working from home stay connected to nature and invest in some plants for your workspace. Not only does it bring the outdoors inside, it’s proven to boost mood, productivity, concentration and creativity. It’s also a great opportunity to support your local plant nursery.

5. STAY HEALTHY WITH A SHOT OF VITAMIN D

If you’re fortunate enough to have some outdoor space (whether it’s a backyard or a balcony) find a nice spot in the sunshine and close your eyes for 10 minutes. Focus on your breathing, tune in to the sounds around you. The fresh air will do wonders to your mood and productivity.

6. GO 'VIRTUAL HIKING’

If you’re really desperate for those trail feels, search ‘Virtual Hikes’ on YouTube and transport yourself to some of the most amazing destinations on Earth. There are some great immersive experiences that make you feel like you’re actually there, the only thing stopping you is your imagination (and maybe bandwidth!).

7. CLIMB EVERY (LITTLE) MOUNTAIN

Find a hill in your neighbourhood and do some interval training. It’s amazing how muscle memory kicks in and gives you that ‘mountain’ feeling even if you’re only thrashing up a small hill two blocks from your house.

Follow Kane for more tips, local hikes and love of the outdoors @GetOutsideMelbourne and online.