The outdoors wants you to hang out.
The United States celebrates National Picnic Month every July. It's a great way to enjoy the outdoors in the middle of summer. While there are many ways to celebrate, I thought I'd share how my dogs and I typically enjoy a picnic at the park.
About This Month
Unfortunately, I couldn't find any information on who created this holiday or when it started being nationally celebrated. If there is information about how this holiday was founded, please let me know!
What I did find were websites where many bloggers, reporters, and social media influencers encouraged their readers to take time to enjoy and appreciate the outdoors this month. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture shared a list of national forests and grasslands where you can enjoy a picnic.
The goal of National Picnic Month is to enjoy time relaxing outdoors and appreciate nature. If you're looking to get out of the house following a crazy 2020 stuck indoors, why not spend some of your free time outdoors with good food and fresh air?
How to Celebrate
Head to a park, lake, beach, botanical garden, roadside rest area, campground, backyard, front yard, or some other public outdoor location with a snack or meal.
Food is often considered an important 'ingredient' for a picnic, but it isn't necessary in my opinion. Even if you didn't want to eat, you could still head outdoors to relax with nature. Sit at a picnic table, relax on a park bench, lounge on a blanket, chill in a hammock, or enjoy your time however you want wherever you go.
Take an activity with you to encourage yourself to stay outdoors longer. Haul a book, magazine, art supplies, toys, or games when you head out.
One of my nephew's always has his Nintendo Switch with him wherever he goes, even if it's just outdoors. I've seen a couple who worked remotely take their laptops and snacks for a few hours at a local park. I myself sometimes take my hobby-grade RC crawlers for some off-road fun.
How I Celebrated Today
The dogs and I often head to the park. Sometimes we only go for a walk. Sometimes we hang out to enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds.
Today started early because my senior dog and I can't stand the heat of a summer afternoon. We hopped into the car for a short drive to a coffee shop. I got myself an iced drink and the dogs a small Puppuccino to share.
I laid out a picnic blanket and the dogs' cooling mat at a local park for my dogs and I to relax. I filled their water bowl and setup my watercolor supplies. The dogs shared a Puppuccino, and I started painting.
We enjoyed our picnic for a couple hours. It was long enough for me to complete a watercolor painting. When I thought it was too hot for my senior dog, we packed up and headed home.
My Thoughts
If I didn't have dogs, I probably wouldn't be much of an outdoor person. However, heading outdoors, even if just for a short amount of time, is refreshing.
Because I'm an introvert with anxiety issues, I tend to hang out at parks with large open spaces. I find having a picnic at the park peaceful if insects with stingers keep away from me (I have a fear of stingers and needles).
What's Next?
Why not head outdoors and take in the fresh air for a few minutes? You may consider getting food-to-go and claiming a picnic table at the park to celebrate National Picnic Month.
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Thanks, and have a great day!
Simply Jelly Jam
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