We’re almost to the finish line. Spring is showing up in small hints across the country. It’s important to remember that fresh air is medicine for the soul. It’s easy to lose site of that with heavy winters and chilling temperatures. With Spring just around the corner, it’s time to make a plan and see what activities you can add to your life.

Take a walk. The simplest thing can change the entire outlook of your day. Waking up an extra 30 min early or moving your first task for the day an extra 30 min can allow a beautiful walk outside and a chance to breath in the fresh air.

Try metal detecting, a truly fascinating activity! You may be able to borrow metal detectors from family or friends, or you can order them online for about $50. In teams, seniors can search for items in your own backyard, or you can take them to hunt at a beach, park, or other public place. Have everyone share and discuss the artifacts they find.

Take a trip to visit an outdoor craft show or flea market. Besides seeing the goods on display, you can find the most interesting people working these shows. Conversation and interaction with others can lift spirits and open the door to new friends. .

Boats rides are wonderful outdoor excursions for seniors. Many cities and towns have public boats available for free or a small fee. Or, take a friend up on an offer they have been giving you to ride on their boat. It’s hard not to smile when you have the chance to feel the wind in your hair.

Fruit picking is a nice outdoor activity and everyone gets to enjoy a delicious end result. Whether apples, peaches, or berries, take the fruit home for an outdoor get-together to eat them fresh, or make a dessert.

Is there a hobby that you’ve always been interested in but have never fulfilled? With inexpensive digital cameras, nature photography is a popular outdoor activity. You can download the pictures onto your computer and print them, and then you can enjoy the sites of nature but outdoors and in.

The finish line is just around the corner. So, beat the winter blues and make a plan.