A sunrise hike on Christmas Eve. I got up at 5:30 to hit the trail for this spectacular sunrise.
Embracing the Great Outdoors: A Gateway to Enhanced Well-being for Women
There are many holistic health benefits of outdoor exercise! Besides just being super fun, there are many benefits for your mind and body! The influence of sunlight and fresh air help your mood and mental health. During the pandemic, I saw so many more people outside trying new things. It was so great to see and I wonder how many people stuck with their new found activities. I think that would be a great study to research.
I embrace being exhausted from physical exercise. I am not a serious athlete that goes running five times a week or skis 15 miles before breakfast. I am an average gal enjoying the outdoors while my body can. I almost joined a gym this year, but the thought of driving somewhere to head inside for a workout was not for me. I could use some more conditioning for sure, but the gym is not the answer for me. The only memberships I like paying for are yearly park parking passes. Buying these will save time and money! They also support trail maintenance and upkeep!
Physical Advantages: Stronger Bodies and Minds Through Nature’s Gym
There is a variety of outdoor exercises suitable for women of all ages and fitness levels. You just have to find what you like. Who cared if you aren’t good at it, you will get better, stronger and more adventurous in time! Heading outside has ani mpact on physical health: improved cardiovascular health, weight management, and muscular tone to name a few. Who doesn’t want good mental health. I am always planning my next outing by reading books about my area, joining forums, and groups. Using the resources available makes learning about my next adventure enjoyable.
Back to the idea about not joining a gym, I value the unique benefits of terrain variability and how it challenges my body differently than indoor workouts. Sure, I can incline that treadmill, but it isn’t the same thing. I can’t stop at the top and enjoy the view. Don’t get me worng, I am not knocking a gym at all, it just isn’t my preference. When the weather is just too darn miserable, it is a great place to be!
Stress Reduction: For me, nature has the ability to alleviate stress and promote relaxation. The natural sounds, sights, and scents I discover outdoors contribute to a sense of calm, reducing cortisol levels and bring on a state of tranquility. My hope is that you can find solace in natural settings, and create an opportunity to escape from the demands of your daily life.
Mental Well-being: Being out in nature, has been linked to improved mood, increased creativity, and enhanced cognitive function. Whether it’s a stroll in the park or a hike in the mountains, the therapeutic benefits of nature contribute to a positive mindset. In a perfect world, employers would realize this and incorporate into their company philosophy.
Physical Health: Outdoor activities provide a gateway to improved physical health. Whether through cardiovascular exercises or strength-building activities, women can engage in a diverse range of activities that promote fitness and overall well-being. It only takes a little effort to get it started!
Fostering Community and Self-Esteem
Being a part of outdoor exercise groups is helpful to me in building a supportive community around myself. It helps with motivation to keep pushing and to try new places and experiences. If you are an introvert, don’t shrivel away at the thought of joining a group. If you are just wanting safety in numbers it is okay. Find a group that works for you!
I recently moved to a new city so I am having to start all over learning a new place. I welcome the new adventures I am going to discover! I have joined lots of groups and some I have participated in and some I am still watching from the sidelines. I finally joined a group activity for one of the groups that was walking an urban trail. I didn’t know a soul in the group, but laced up my walking shoes and joined in. There were about 12 people there and some had joined with their friends. Two woman had actually met 30 years earlier in a different state and reconnected right then and there. Sometimes there are introductions by the person that organized the event and sometimes it is just a saddle up situation. I awkwardly introduced my to a few gals, even though I am outgoing, it is still hard to put yourself out there. I saw another woman there also awkwardly standing on her own so I introduced myself. Instantly I got a weird vibe from her. She seemed off and not open to someone introducing themselves. I could tell she was not in a good place. I turned away to give her space and let her deal with whatever was happening in her head. We started the walk and I noticed she ducked out of the group and got back into her car and drove off. No one else noticed. It was like she vanished without a trace. I wish she hadn’t. She made the effort to drive all the way there just to give up. I hope she gives it another try in the future. I met some great ladies, learned a new trail, gained more knowledge about my new town, got some mileage in and had a good time. Sometimes we just have to push ourselves mentally as well as physically.
I can honestly tell you, being outdoors does my mental and physical health a world of good. When I am out on a walk, I can be 3 minutes in and instantly feel my stress melt away. I love to grab a friend and take stroll for coffee or a hike with a stop for an early morning scone. Whatever gets outdoors, keep it up! You are doing great!