Spending time outdoors is one of the greatest joys for an outdoors lover. However, the natural beauty of the world also comes with its own set of risks and challenges.
Luckily, improving your outdoor safety is easier than you might think. By adopting some simple daily habits, you can confidently prepare for your adventures and protect yourself from common outdoor hazards like ticks, sunburn, or getting lost.
In this article, you’ll discover easy daily habits that every outdoors lover can use to boost outdoor safety and make the most of their time in nature.
Your 3 Daily Habits To Improve Outdoor Safety
Habit 1 — Research and Plan Your Outdoor Activities
Why: Being prepared with knowledge about your destination reduces the risk of surprises and hazards, ensuring better outdoor safety habits.
How: Spend a few minutes each day reading about your next outdoor spot, check trail maps, understand the terrain, weather, and any specific warnings like wildlife conditions.
Cue: Make checking trail info your morning routine or part of packing your backpack the night before.
Habit 2 — Protect Yourself from Ticks and Bugs
Why: Ticks carry diseases and insect bites can ruin your outdoor fun; daily preventive actions can greatly reduce these risks.
How: Apply insect repellent daily when outdoors, wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing, and tuck pants into socks. After being outdoors, do a full body tick check.
Cue: Make tick checks a habit after every outdoor trip or walk in wooded or grassy areas.
Habit 3 — Prioritize Hydration and Sunscreen
Why: Staying hydrated and protected from the sun prevents dehydration and sunburn—common threats that outdoor adventurers face.
How: Drink water regularly and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before going outside. Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes or after sweating.
Cue: Place your water bottle and sunscreen where you get ready, making them part of your leaving-home routine.
Week 1 Schedule
| Day | Habit Focus |
|---|---|
| Monday | Research a new trail or outdoor location for 10 minutes |
| Tuesday | Practice applying insect repellent and do a tick check after outdoor time |
| Wednesday | Drink at least 8 glasses of water and apply sunscreen before going out |
| Thursday | Combine planning and bug protection for your next hike |
| Friday | Hydrate well and make sunscreen application a priority |
| Saturday | Review gear prep including water, repellent, and map |
| Sunday | Reflect on your safety habits and adjust as needed |
Troubleshooting
Barrier: Forgetting to apply sunscreen or insect repellent.
Fix: Keep your sunscreen and insect repellent visible near your outdoor gear to create visual cues for using them daily.
Barrier: Overwhelmed by too much planning or unsure where to start.
Fix: Use trusted outdoor websites or apps that offer easy-to-understand trail maps and safety guides as starting points.
Barrier: Neglecting hydration because water is not easily accessible.
Fix: Always carry a reusable water bottle and set reminders to drink water every 20-30 minutes when outside.
FAQs
Q: How often should I apply insect repellent during outdoor activities?
A: For effective outdoor safety habits, apply insect repellent according to the product label, usually every 4-6 hours or more often if you sweat heavily or after swimming.
Q: Can I rely on smartphone GPS instead of maps for safety?
A: While helpful, smartphones can lose signal or run out of battery. Outdoor safety habits recommend carrying a physical map and compass as backup.
Q: Is drinking water really that important even in cooler weather?
A: Yes! Hydration is essential year-round because your body loses water during physical activity, regardless of temperature.
Tracking & Motivation Tips
Track your outdoor safety habits by marking daily checklist reminders on your phone or a journal. Celebrate small wins like remembering sunscreen or completing a tick check. Sharing your progress with friends can boost motivation and keep you accountable to your outdoor safety habits.
Key Takeaways On Outdoor Safety Habits
Adopting daily habits like researching your hikes, protecting yourself from ticks and bugs, and prioritizing hydration and sunscreen significantly improves outdoor safety. These habits are simple, practical, and empower you to enjoy the outdoors safely and confidently every day.
Join the Waitlist
Ready to put these habits into action? Dayspire helps you reach any goal with simple daily habits. Join the waitlist now to be the first to get invited to Dayspire!
