People can constantly talk your ear off on the benefits of spending time outdoors. It might seem like a quaint and old-fashioned thing to do, but taking advantage of the great outdoors comes with many benefits, and it’s not just a cliched hipster pastime. Being outside is a great way to boost your mental and physical well-being. It brings down your blood pressure and can help reduce stress, while also lifting your mood. There’s a reason why the early days of the pandemic were so taxing for people – staying cooped up indoors all day is terrible for your health. While simply walking around the block for a few minutes a day is good, you may want to try some outdoorsy activities, especially fishing and hiking. Both are great ways to get some well-needed fresh air while also destressing considerably. The following are a few compelling reasons to try these timeworn activities.
Reduce Inflammation
We just briefly mentioned the many health benefits offered by both fishing and hiking. Whether you decide to take on a more low-impact activity like fishing or something more rigorous like hiking, studies have shown that being in nature can help reduce inflammation. A short walk in a calm forest or near a lake gets the blood circulating, and has a positive impact on hypertension. In addition, being outside helps to boost the immune system and make it stronger by hardening it to some of the rougher elements out there. Breathing in the same air over and over again as we do indoors isn’t helpful, whereas the airborne anti-microbes emitted by plants offer protection from some of the more harmful germs and insects present in the wild.
De-stress Naturally
Spending time outside, whether fishing or hiking leads to less stress. The simple act of grabbing a backpack and fishing shoes can go a long way to helping you feel more centered and at peace. Countless studies have shown what we already kind of know by instinct: that spending time outside in the sun puts you in a better mood, and also lifts some of the weight from existential worries everyone carries by feeling closer to nature. Staying indoors all the time underscores a feeling of isolation and loneliness, and while being outdoors doesn’t solve everything, it can certainly help alleviate some of these darker thoughts.
Breaking Routines
Neither fishing nor hunting is as boring or static as they may seem. Both activities can be switched up and offer different variations for you to consider, depending upon your mood. If you want to go hiking but not exert yourself too much, you can find a path that suits you. If you want to catch a certain kind of fish, you can travel to a particular lake, and see what will attach itself to your hook. Both activities are never boring and are rewarding to those who participate in them.
Finally, outside generally makes people feel a bit happier and, believe it or not, can help boost their self-esteem. Given the positive effects outdoors has, it makes sense that feeling more confident and comfortable in your skin would be a clear benefit. So, it is definitely worth giving hiking or fishing a try, if you’re looking for a fun way to pass the time.
0 Comments