What is so great about the great outdoors? The question you should probably be asking is “What isn’t great about the outdoors?” Aside from the obvious answers about the weather and bugs (hey, maybe you’re into that), there isn’t much else to say. That’s because getting outside in nature is what we were meant to do as humans, and there are so many health benefits to being outside.
Let’s explore the benefits, both mental and physical, you can get from being outdoors! Always remember, there are options for everyone, and getting outside doesn’t have to look the same for all people.
Why Go Outside?
First off, it’s so important to be outside and explore the world around you. Natural sunlight is good for your skin, circulation, your mental health, and more. The peace and serenity of nature can help reduce your stress, too. So even if you’re not a fan of rain, heat, bugs, or whatever, you should still challenge yourself to go outside for a little bit every day. Spending only 15 minutes a day outside can provide great benefits.
Here are some effortless ways to spend time outside:
- Walking
- Planting in the garden
- Jogging
- Biking
- Watching the sunset, sunrise, clouds, birds, etc.
- Reading a book
- Swimming
- And don’t get us started on water activities!
Being outside is an easy way to become physically active and reverse the negative effects of the sedentary lives that many of us live.
Mental Benefits
While we’ve already mentioned some of the benefits of being outside, let’s focus on the mental benefits. If you’ve ever taken the time to sit outside, close your eyes, and listen to the sounds of the great outdoors, you probably already know what a great feeling that is. You experience a pause in time, a moment of stillness, or even just the ability to actually breathe. All the things we often do not do, or feel, in our everyday, fast-paced lives. Being outside helps us slow down our lives and benefits us in the following ways:
- Increased happiness.
- Reduced stress levels.
- Relieve feelings of anxiety and depression.
- Allows time for socialization.
- Improved mood and focus.
- Boost your confidence to try something new.
- And more!
When your mental health is boosted, so is your physical health, and vice versa. You cannot improve one without working on the other.
Physical Benefits
When you build time in for the great outdoors, you experience the following physical benefits:
- Increased Vitamin D levels.
- Boosted immunity.
- Reduce and relieve pain and inflammation.
- Lose weight and improve circulation.
- Lower blood pressure.
- Reduce risk for illness and disease.
- Improve your eyesight and overall bodily functions.
- Get better sleep and stick to a sleeping schedule easier.
- Build strength.
- And more!
You should strive to get outside every single day, but the real goal is at least 120 minutes (about 2 hours) per week. If you start small, like 15-20 minutes per day, you can reach and even exceed 120 minutes in no time. No pun intended.
Plus, maybe you can make a fun trip out of it, like to Shasta Lake in Redding, California!
Shasta Lake Has it All!
Shasta Lake is a great place to be in the great outdoors. The options to be active or just sit out in nature are endless. At Shasta Lake, you can do any of the following activities:
- Boating
- Fishing
- Walking
- Hiking
- Birdwatching
- Sunbathing
- Kayaking
- Yoga
- Paddleboarding
- Swimming
- Picnicking or Dining
- And more!
Plus, our resort at Bridge Bay Marina has many options to accommodate your vacation for short- and long-term stays.
Whether you like to go outdoors solo, with loved ones, friends, or even furry family members, there is something for everyone at Shasta Lake.
It’s time to disconnect and be present in the moment. Contact us or book your reservation now to get started!