Strolling down the lush forest, feeling the pleasant breeze, and viewing the striking scenery all around – all these beautiful marvels of nature make us feel calm and relaxed. And it’s, therefore, hardly surprising that most of us turn to outdoor recreations to reboot and rejuvenate ourselves.
As various studies continue to underscore the importance of the natural world, researchers have discovered that nature is critically essential for physical wellness and cognitive functioning. Further, a study back in 2019 claimed that spending, at the very least, 2 hours a week in nature boosts health and well-being. So, as a part of this natural world, it makes perfect sense that surrounding oneself with nature helps us feel quite well and more alive.
Unfortunately, various external factors try to keep us at a distance from the therapeutic influences of nature. As per the stats, around 90% of Americans, on average, spend their lives indoors. However, there are multiple benefits of spending time in outdoor recreation and enjoying the marvels of nature in the natural world.
Although we will leave the how factor to you, hint – unplug from tech and reenergize in the wilderness. However, we will provide you with why. Here are some of the benefits of being outdoors, giving you yet all the more reasons to strap your boots and reconnect with nature:
Table of Contents
It improves well-being and boosts confidence.
Spending time in nature and performing physical activities enhances mental well-being and makes people feel active. One such great physical activity to try is white water rafting, especially if the nature surrounding you offers a river. This fun sports activity allows you to enjoy the fresh air and bask in the sun while speedily and energetically paddling through the intimidating river waves.
So, if you wish to spend your next family vacation in Tennessee’s beautiful mountain resort city, Gatlinburg, be sure to book your rafting trip beforehand. Just type in white water rafting Gatlinburg and hit search to reserve an adrenaline-pumping adventure full of thrill and excitement. Various rafting trips happen in the spring and fall seasons – ranging from leisure to the most extreme one. So, pick the rafting trip that you think your family can complete.
While it’s a fun yet challenging endeavor and requires endurance, it’s also a great cardio workout. Not only this, but it also boosts self-esteem and morale. Contingent on the river type, taming the rapids may seem daunting. However, once you complete the trip with your family, you will feel a sense of accomplishment.
It reduces stress
The bustling streets, different vehicles, and the flashy advertisements are the elements of the urban setting. Now add the work routines to the plate, too, and you can form a picture. Our nervous system constantly remains in a state of stimulation, thus, making us feel strained and frazzled and resulting in high-stress levels. Nonetheless, being close to mother nature can help alleviate the symptoms of stress.
Most, if not all, people consider an outdoorsy person a lifestyle, and this is true to some extent. While being outdoorsy doesn’t imply being a part of a particular group, it does imply positive lifestyle benefits. Surrounding yourself with the beautiful natural world can generate substantial and tangible benefits.
According to a study, spending as little as 20 minutes in nature can be a sanity-saver as it helps lessen the cortisol levels in the body. So, soaking yourself in the natural world for 20-30 minutes, such as a casual stroll or a light run, can considerably reduce cortisol levels, thus, reducing stress.
It enhances creativity
Have you ever wondered how clear your mind gets and how the problems seem light after spending time in the marvels of nature?
In today’s fast-pacing world, we often remain glued to technology, neglecting other critical aspects of life. But this constant bombardment of technology can be detrimental to our well-being. It can make one feel overwhelmed and succumb to mental fatigue and burnout.
However, fleeing from daily routines and disconnecting from the modern world can give us a much-needed boost to navigate this world. Spending time in nature helps us restore our health and activate the attention circuits. Whether just gazing at the clouds or cycling, mother nature opens the mind to creativity and enhances problem-solving.
So, if you’re stuck in a rut, it’s crucial to carve out time for yourself to unwind and relax in nature. It will help your mind get off things and bring a much-needed spark in life. Not only this, but the restoration of the attention capacity and reduction of the brain’s mental ailments help us unleash the creative potential that exists within ourselves.
It strengthens relationships
A majority of people relate spending time in nature with being alone. However, the marvels of nature don’t just leave positive impacts on an individual level. Natural surroundings also bring people closer, build compassion and empathy, and help us experience mutual joy. Additionally, it helps develop meaningful in-person connections and soothe feelings of isolation and loneliness.
According to a behavioral study on a group of school kids living in Barcelona, Spain, those children who resided nearby beaches and greenery got along quite well. Not only this, but these kids were also likely to exhibit prosocial behavior – a range of actions or positive interactions that benefit other individuals or the community as a whole.
That said, nature also helps reinforce the spiritual connection. Whether it’s oceans, rivers, or mountains, people find immense solace in knowing that the force that created such graceful beauty also made every fiber of their being. It helps us learn the art of appreciating little things in life and the world around us.
Final Words
Human beings, undoubtedly, have an instinctual connection with the natural world. And while, in today’s digital realm, we might overlook the importance of being outdoors and the health benefits that come with it. Nevertheless, nature holds numerous advantages that can help us prosper in our lives.
Spending time in nature helps mitigate attention fatigue, sharpen the senses, and ground emotions. Although it shouldn’t be taken as a miracle cure, being outdoors enhances mental health, reduces the intensity and frequency of bitter feelings, and nurtures a healthy lifestyle. With these benefits, it comes as no surprise that something about the natural world makes a person feel energetic and alive.
So, carve out time today to venture out of your shell and reap the full benefits of these multiple health advantages. It’s about time to re-engage and embrace the marvels of nature. Your mind and body will thank you in the later years.
Featured Photo by Tyler Lastovich: https://www.pexels.com
