Adventure and Wellness: Exploring the Outdoors for a Healthy Lifestyle
These days, all too many of us simply don’t get outside enough. What’s keeping you from it? Work? Family? Or is it just not your thing?Well, you know that for the sake of your wellness, you need to eat healthy, but it’s a fact that getting outside more often is beneficial to both your physical and mental well-being. Don’t believe us? Check out exactly why you should plan outdoor trips more often.
8 Benefits of the Outdoors
In the hustle and bustle of our daily routines, seeking opportunities to engage with the natural world can significantly boost our physical and mental health. Just as a weight-loss breakfast kick-starts our day with a healthy boost, getting outside enriches our lives.
Physical Fitness
Going hiking, cycling, camping, or running offers an enjoyable approach to enhancing cardiovascular health, developing muscle strength, and improving stamina. The diverse landscapes and refreshing environment of camping and other outdoor activities present a stimulating alternative to conventional workouts.
Vitamin D
Outdoor activities are a natural way to boost vitamin D. This vitamin plays a crucial role in improving bone health, boosting your immune system, and assisting with overall wellness.
Connect
Immersion in the great outdoors helps create a bond with our surroundings. The marvel of sweeping vistas, the thrill of observing wildlife through digital camera binoculars, or the serene melody of birds chirping, all contribute to deepening our appreciation and comprehension of the natural world.
Mental Health
Awe-inspiring views provide an opportunity to rest your mind and unwind from the stress of life. Research has shown that engaging in outdoor activities can also alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, and many agree that it’s a great addition to everyone’s healthcare routine.
Learning Opportunities
There are a ton of things to be learned from hiking local trails, checking out insects, identifying plants and animals, and navigating new places This firsthand appreciation will help you value nature and sustainability and is rarely a scary experience.
Family Bonding
Even better than when you travel to Canada for summer vacation, getting outside provides a chance to create lasting memories, learn from each other, and encourage teamwork. From pitching tents together to roasting marshmallows over an open fire, the great outdoors offers a lot of family activities.
Stress Management
As you lose yourself in the beauty of nature, your mind responds accordingly by lowering stress hormones and inducing relaxation. Engaging your senses with calming sights, sounds, and smells can be a powerful antidote to alleviate the daily stressors that bog down our minds.
Heal Faster
Exposure to the natural environment significantly boosts the body’s healing process, according to multiple studies. A study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh focusing on spinal surgery patients showed that patients with access to natural light experienced reduced pain and stress post-surgery. This study shows the benefits of natural sunlight on recovery and a reduced need for pain medications during recovery.
Similarly, another study indicated that a patient’s view from their window could influence their recovery rate, with views of trees proving more beneficial than views of a brick wall. This ability of the body to self-heal is invaluable in all health scenarios but is particularly beneficial for cancer patients, especially those undergoing surgery. The great outdoors, it seems, not only enriches our lives but also accelerates our healing.
In essence, regular exposure to the outdoors is an excellent prescription for a healthier, happier life. So, lace up your hiking boots, pack your camping gear, and step out into nature’s gym to reap these incredible benefits and boost your overall wellness.