Last modified on November 23rd, 2020 at 3:52 am

Top 8 Health Benefits of Outdoor Adventures

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Going outside, and making the most of what nature has to offer, has a lot of benefits. Not only do outdoor adventures provide you with an excellent opportunity to break away from the stress of everyday life, but it also has amazing health benefits! Spending time in nature boosts both your physical and mental health, protects you from illness, and could make you feel a lot happier.

But with the current pandemic, we know that most of your plans are currently on hold. But it doesn’t mean you should stop daydreaming about outdoor adventures that you will rush to experience again after quarantine, or if it is safe again to do so.

That said, we have listed down the eight health benefits of taking an outdoor adventure:

8 Health Benefits of Outdoor Adventures

Healthy Immune System

If you’re the type of person who gets sick often, then going outdoors might help.

In fact, studies suggest that spending time outdoors reduces the risk of diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, ADHD, and even cancer. This is mostly due to the relaxed state that nature creates.

Forests are beneficial to the immune system as well because plants produce phytoncides, which are known to boost natural killer cells. This is a type of white blood cell found in humans.

Moreover, sun exposure boosts infection-fighting T cells in the body.

Improves Your Mental Wellbeing

As previously mentioned, one’s mental well-being greatly improved when going outdoors. One of the primary reasons for this is the increased awareness of the mind throughout an activity, particularly when it comes to the ever-changing weather or terrain.

Unlike in the gym, where floors are usually flat, outdoor terrain is usually made up of winding paths, valleys, woods, and hills. One is constantly focused on being alert and focused at all times, and that alone helps boost your mental health.

Also, being with nature is believed to help lower the stress hormone called cortisol. Elevated levels of this hormone could lead to a string of health problems, like anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and memory and concentration problems.

Elevates Vitamin D Levels

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Approximately 40% of the men and women in the US are vitamin D-deficient, and this could lead to alarming health implications in the long run, such as depression, osteoporosis, and cancer.

Good thing, constant exposure to the sun is one of the best ways to get vitamin D. If, for some reason, you can’t go out during the early mornings, spending time outside during midday will suffice. It is believed that UVB rays from the sun are at its peak around noon.

However, keep in mind that exposure to the sun later in the day has also been linked to skin cancer.

Improve Focus and Better Sleep

You probably know what it feels like (and how tired you feel) after spending a day that’s jampacked with activities.

Well, spending time outdoors will change the way your body moves through exercising the body and stimulating the mind. As a result, it’s easier for you to fall asleep for longer hours. That can lead to having a better focus on your tasks the next day.

May Lower Blood Pressure

Sunlight isn’t only a natural source of vitamin D. It’s also believed to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.

According to a report, the nitric oxide that is found in the skin responds to the rays of the sun by widening the blood vessels, and thus, lowering the blood pressure.

However, the study also suggests that those with normal BP only noticed a minimum drop. So, presumably, those with higher BP are those that will more likely experience a significant change.

Boost Self-Esteem

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According to Drishya Travels, taking the time to do outdoor activities mean you’ll face challenges, difficulties, and uncertainties in your trip. But this also allows you to develop tolerance, allowing you to cope with whatever challenges live throws you along the way.

You improve your decision-making skills, and regularly engaging in outdoor adventures improves your levels of self-efficacy. These can have a positive impact on your mental and psychological well-being in the long run.

Good for Eyesight

Surprisingly, spending a lot of time outdoors in your younger years could lead to better eyesight.

In fact, a study found out that spending your time in nature decreases your risk for myopia, also known as nearsightedness.

Smart Thinking

Going outdoors could help relieve stress and pain. You could return as a new person, looking as if you entered a new phase in life.

The thing you’ve learned and gone through allows you to think clearly.

Improved Productivity

People who enjoy their time outdoors tend to be more productive in the long run.

By having an avenue to release all the stress from work and your personal life, you’d be more motivated and a more productive person overall.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! What we have listed above are the benefits of outdoor activities to your health.

Although you might not notice an immediate change in your energy levels and overall mood, you can also consider keeping a record of your outdoor adventures so that you could track the other benefits that might occur gradually.

Escape the daily grind for time to time, and enjoy the many wonders nature has to offer!