Spending time outdoors has a host of benefits, from the vitamin D from sunshine exposure to having your mood uplifted due to fresh air, gorgeous surroundings, and exercise. From fishing to scavenger hunts, camping, and even gardening, explore these activities that are fun and healthy for everyone. Each has some unique benefits, while all have in common the benefits of the outdoors beauty.
Fishing
Spending time outside with a rod and reel is peaceful and energizing. You get the anticipation of waiting for the touch on the bait, the excitement of pulling the fish in, and the satisfaction of the catch, whether you throw it back or save it for a healthy dinner. Fishing, like other types of spending time outdoors, gives you some exercise, clears out your lungs, lets you feel the sunlight, improves patience and concentration, and can even increase self-esteem. You also build strong bonds with your fishing companions. From boat or bank, fishing is both calming and exciting by turns.
Hiking
The activity of hiking has an abundance of positive side effects. Not only do you enjoy nice views and fresh air with the smells and sounds of nature, but this cardio workout lowers the risks of heart disease, improves your blood sugar levels and your blood pressure, strengthens your core, improves your balance, boosts your bone density, helps control your weight, lifts your mood, and builds strength in your quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and those muscles in your lower legs and hips. Hiking is not only a fair-weather activity. Some tips for hiking in the rain include being aware of rocks, trees, and lightning as well as wearing the proper gear. Give yourself time and the opportunity to explore the outdoors and go take a hike.
Camping
While some think of camping as a strict summertime pastime, diehard campers will tell you that this outdoor activity can be enjoyed year-round. Winter and autumn camping have fewer bugs to deal with, although you will want a well-insulated sleeping bag, depending on which type holds your campsite. Take a camper, a tent, or a hybrid of the two, grab some insulated sleeping bags, and get ready for a time around a good fire to reap the benefits of this outdoor activity for everyone.
Bicycling
From childhood, learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage that turns into healthy practices as an adult. Whether you pedal instead of pushing pedals in a car to get around, ride for the sheer pleasure of it, or are bicycling to get fit or train for races, this activity is fun, healthy, and a low-impact type of exercise good for all ages. Cycling can help your health by protecting you from such serious diseases as heart attack, stroke, depression, some cancers, type two diabetes, obesity, and arthritis. Regular cycling increases your cardiovascular fitness, increases your flexibility along with your muscle strength, and helps improve joint mobility. You can find your bones strengthened, levels of your body fat lowered, and your stress, anxiety, and depression reduced. In addition to, it is a nice and relaxing way to enjoy your surroundings or possibly explore everything around you. This is also especially fun when traveling to a new city or country.
Gardening
Gardening outdoors does as much good for you and your family as it does for the plants you painstakingly tend. Soaking in the sunlight gives you vitamin D, which lowers the risk of some cancers. Low vitamin D levels lead to greater risks of metabolic syndrome, type two diabetes, dementia, and psoriasis flares. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gardening counts as exercise. This activity promotes good sleep, a healthy weight, and strong muscles. Working in the garden can even help your cognitive function, helping you with your memory as you age. It also improves symptoms of depression and anxiety according to a study that ran for multiple years and was published in 2011. Not only that, you can even plant your favorite fruit and vegetables throughout the season.
Scavenger Hunt
Set up a list and go exploring on a scavenger hunt. These hunts exercise mind and body while you hone your perceptions in seeking your target items or sights. You can snap pictures rather than collect pieces of the wilderness. Rove your neighborhood, a park, or accessible wilderness and relish the competition. This is a great way to get everyone involved and enjoy some friendly competition.
Conclusion
Choosing to do an outdoor activity that is great for everyone bring with them the benefits of fresh air, socialization if you have company, improved moods, sunshine, lowered stress, and exercise. The important thing is getting outside and staying active. Enjoy yourself while making healthy habits that will greatly benefit you and compound over time.
