There’s something magical about the great outdoors, as anyone who’s ever spent any time there will tell you quite happily – the air is crisp, the sounds are magnified, and there’s a feeling of isolation that’s far from lonely; it’s peaceful and wonderful. It’s a fantastic way to hit the re-set button in life and feel fresh and new, which can be precisely what you need when you’re feeling stressed. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more about why outdoor adventures are good for the soul.
Disconnect To Reconnect
Life can be very noisy at times – emails are pinging all over the place, notifications are buzzing, and the endless to do list just seems to repeat itself over and over. Stepping outside and leaving the digital world behind can be the best breath of fresh air you’ll ever take.
And there are loads of things you can do as well, from hiking through the forest to pitching a test and enjoying some camping for a few nights, and whatever you do and however long you want to do it for, that disconnection from screens means you can reconnect with the world around you, with friends and family if they’re with you, and, of course, with yourself, which is perhaps the most important thing of all.
It’s Simple
If there’s one thing you can say about outdoor adventures and just being in nature in the first place, it’s that it’s simple – it’s a slower way of life than you’re probably used to, and it’s wonderfully free of the chaos that probably surrounds you most of the time (even if you didn’t realize that’s what was happening). Camping, for example, means you absolutely have to strip things back to the bare basics – you’ll need food, shelter, and you’ll have to take some important safety precautions, but that’s about it; it doesn’t get much simpler than that.
The fact is that cooking over an open flame, looking at the stars instead of a screen, and waking up to the sounds of birds and nature really shows you how little you actually need to feel content in life – even if it’s not something you want to do on a full-time basis.
It’s A Natural Mood Booster
Feeling a bit down? Nature can help and it always can. Studies actually show that spending time in nature reduces stress levels, boosts creativity, and can even improve your overall health (of course, it’s no substitute for a doctor’s care and proper treatment and medication, but it can definitely help to make you feel better in general).
Being outside, moving your body, and soaking up some sunshine can lift your mood and improve your mental health quickly and easily, and once you start to feel that way, especially when you pair things with endorphins from a good hike or sitting by a beautiful stream and daydreaming, you have everything you need to feel better and happier. By the time you get back to your real life, you’ll be refreshed and energized and ready to tackle your to do list once again – and problems that seemed big and stressful will suddenly be a lot smaller and easier to handle. If that’s not worth spending a little time in nature having an outdoor adventure, what is?
You Can Be Present
When was the last time you truly lived in the moment? Outdoor adventures have an amazing way of pulling you in the here and now which is where you should be spending most of your time, but that’s something a lot of busy, stressed people tend to easily forget. You could be following a winding trail and trying to work out the directions, you could be setting up camp, you could be starting a fire or enjoying the results of a fire you’ve made, but whatever you’re doing, nature can help you stay in the moment and be mindful, which is the ideal place to be.
When you’re in the present, overthinking and worrying isn’t part of the process – and that’s going to mean you’re instantly less stressed and you can enjoy what you’re doing for once, rather than already thinking (and worrying) about the next thing. Imagine how much happier you’ll be if you can do that more often.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor adventures, which could be anything from a short hike to a week or camping and more, are a wonderful escape from your standard routine, and when you get started, you can recharge, re-set, and enjoy what really matters rather than the silly things that seem so important when you’re caught up in them. So the next time you’re feeling stressed or worn out, take a step outside and have some adventures, and you’re sure to feel so much better.
