Our 5 Favorite Ways To Connect With Nature in Sunbridge
So much of our time is spent within four walls — at home, at work, at school — it’s time to get outside and get some fresh air!
Being outside has loads of health benefits, both mental and physical. Enjoying nature relaxes us, helps us stay present in the moment, helps us connect to family and friends, and keeps us grounded and aware of the natural beauty around us.
Here in Sunbridge, being outside and enjoying the fresh Florida air and glorious sunshine is in our DNA, and we encourage our residents to make it part of theirs too. There’s nature all around us, and here in the sunshine state we’re lucky to enjoy it all year round. Here are our favorite five ways to do it.
1. Hike or bike a trail.
There are more than 1,300 existing recreational trails in the state of Florida, including two miles that start at the trailhead at Basecamp, our information center. Walking a nature trail is one of the easiest ways to take in the native flora and spot some local four-, six- and eight-legged locals.
Pro tip: Florida’s tall live oaks provide much-needed shade, but it’s still important to protect your skin against the sun. Wear breathable fabrics and apply sunscreen and bug spray before leaving your parking spot. Once on the trail, you won’t need to bring much, but a full water bottle is essential, and a walking stick can help you get through sandy sections of trail a bit easier!
2. Plant Something.
Helping a plant or tree to grow is one of life’s great joys, and a productive way to spend time outside while providing food and habitat for local creatures like bees and birds. Gardening is a rewarding hobby, too, where you’ll see the literal “fruits” of your labor with lots of love and care!
Pro tip: Native plants do best under Florida’s hot sun, rainy summer and dry winters, so refer to Sunbridge’s Native Landscape Guide, or visit Basecamp, for information on which species will do best.
3. Host an outdoor activity.
When weather permits — may we suggest Central Florida’s cool, dry December through February timeframe? — hosting a picnic, pick-up sports game or community bike ride is a great way to connect with family, friends and neighbors. In Sunbridge, our community parks are the perfect gathering spots for these outings, or join us for a community event like a yoga on the green or seasonal festival.
4. Try a new water sport.
Kayaking, paddle-boarding, canoeing — water sports are a great way to work out and stay cool. Florida is jam-packed with plenty of opportunities to try a new water sport, as the area’s waterways are often lined with rental spots where you can try them out without an upfront investment in gear. In addition to having these opportunities soon in Sunbridge, we’re also less than an hour from some of Central Florida’s most beautiful springs where the water is clear, cool, and you might just see a manatee or two.
Pro tip: Never kayak, paddleboard or canoe alone. Use the buddy system to stay safe!
5. Get grounded.
Move your yoga or meditation practice to the fresh air. Whether you’re setting up your mat in our weekly yoga sessions at Basecamp or in your backyard, mindfulness and movement is better outside where you can focus on the sounds and smells in nature while paying attention to your breath. Bring your journal outside for some extra space to allow your mind to wander to new ideas, goals and settling thoughts.
Because Sunbridge is designed to help you live your best life in the company of Central Florida’s natural beauty and environment, it’s the best place to enjoy the outdoors. There are plenty of other ways to take in the sights, so hop aboard a bike, hit the trails and keep your eyes open for more opportunities for outdoor adventure along the way.
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