6 Enjoyable Outdoor Activities That Can Help Improve Your Mental Health
The outdoors have a remarkable effect on our mental health. So much, so that mental health experts encourage us to spend mindful time outdoors.
Whether you want to try something new and add some movements to your routine, here are some physical activities that you can do outdoors:
Cycling
Cycling is an excellent outdoor activity for people of all ages. Aside from giving your body a reason to move, it is also relatively easy to get started. All you need to do is find a bike that is appropriate for your height and then learn how to ride it.
And once you get the hang of it, you can cycle around the neighborhood or the nearby park.
There are even those who would bring their two-well ride to a bike trail for extreme adventure! However, keep in mind that there are different kinds of bikes, and what's ideal for the road may not be suitable for the trail. If you want to cycle for fitness, attach a power meter to your bike, so you can track your progress and reach your fitness goals.
Hiking
One of the most popular outdoor activities that people do around the world is hiking. After all, hiking is an activity that won't only get you outside.
It's the activity that will get you deep into nature where beautiful sights are out of reach with other means.
Hiking lets you go deep in nature and see not only natural sights but also wild animals. You can again do either a day hike or even a hike that will take you weeks to finish. It depends on your availability and skill level.
Of course, you should make sure that you have all your equipment, like hiking poles and your food and drink. After all, you also want to ensure that you're physically okay and safe while taking care of your mental health when you go hiking.
Even if you believe it to be an easy trail, it won't hurt to be safe and bring all of the essential hiking tools you need.
Rock climbing
If you're looking for a more exciting outdoor activity, you might want to consider rock climbing. Rock climbing is an excellent idea for people who are already physically fit and want something a little more out of the norm
However, even if you're not physically fit yet, rock climbing is still something you should try.
Of course, you can't go out rock climbing any old rock formation you see if you don't have the experience. Luckily, there are specific places that teach people how to rock climb.
If you want to climb less high-up formations, you can start by going bouldering instead. It is similar to rock-climbing, except you don't have to go to higher places much.
Swimming
There's nothing like wading around in the water to give you that peaceful and serene feeling. So if that's something that gives you peace, you should consider recreational swimming.
If you live in a place near safe bodies of water, like rivers or lakes, make the most out of it and go swimming when you can.
The sound of flowing water or the stillness of the lake can be calming. Thus, it can help you mentally relieve yourself for a while when you're there.
Going for a swim will not only soothe your body during the summer season; it can also help you calm yourself while also getting your body moving.
Paddling
Speaking of being around the water, you might also want to consider paddling as an alternative activity to swimming.
There will be days when you don't want to soak in the water and days when it's impossible to do so without exposing yourself to impractical conditions. That's where paddling is the most useful.
You can still surround yourself with the calming effects of being around the water without having to soak yourself in it. It also helps you exercise your upper-body because of all the paddling you're doing.
Depending on where you're doing this, you can also find and reach curious spots that you wouldn't otherwise visit when swimming.
If paddling is not your thing, try sailing or boating instead. It’s just as relaxing, and it allows you to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and stop by many places. Some people have made sailing a way of life after discovering the benefits of this lifestyle.
Before you set sail, make sure to get your vessel checked, update all the lighting features for your safety at night, and stock up on essentials and emergency supplies. Also, let your family or close friends know where you are, so they can locate you in case something happens.
Yoga
Although yoga is an activity that you do in one place, it doesn't mean that you can't take it outside.
You'll find that doing yoga outdoors is even more relaxing than being stuck inside a studio or in your bedroom. Since yoga focuses a lot on breathing, being outdoors helps you get better at your breathing exercise. And this can have a positive impact on your mental health.
If you haven't done it yet, consider grabbing your mat outdoors to do yoga.
Over to You
There are many things that we can do to improve our physical and mental health. It is also about finding an activity you love and making a habit out of it.
And if you found something that you love to do or would like to try, consider doing it outdoors. You would be surprised at how a change of environment can boost your well-being.
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
