Physical activity is endemic to human nature, but modern life has twisted our habits and resulted in many not getting the exercise they need. On average, 90% of a human's life in the developed world is spent indoors – fundamentally antithetical to how we as a species have lived for eons.
Because of this, it is important that we look for opportunities to be active and be outside whenever possible. Spending time in the great outdoors has a variety of unique benefits we may not even realize. In order to be at our best and healthiest, it is essential to get out, be active, and enjoy nature.
Below, we'll discuss several benefits you and your body can enjoy by merely spending one weekend out in nature.
More Intimate Family Time
For those with spouses and children, spending a weekend outdoors can help reduce the technological isolation so many of us experience on a day-to-day basis. Through activities such as camping and hiking, you'll be removed from the hectic modern world, and will be more reliant upon one another.
A weekend spent camping can present many opportunities for family bonding and athletic activities, both of which are hard to come by when living from day to day and cheque to cheque. If you need a family-sized tent to begin planning your weekend out, visit myfamilytent.com for recommendations.
Higher Vitamin Production
Being confined to indoor spaces with artificial lighting has a bigger impact on our bodies and minds than many know. One such impact is the level of natural vitamin production in our bodies.
One notable example is vitamin D. It is estimated that around 35% of people are lacking in vitamin D due to the indoor and sedentary lifestyle of modern living. Vitamin D helps our immune systems fight off illness and even has an impact on our mood.
By spending a weekend outdoors, your exposure to natural sunlight will result in a natural boost of this valuable vitamin.
Improved Exercise
While any kind of exercise is better than no exercise at all, a weekend spent in the great outdoors can yield even bigger benefits with outdoor exercise.
The natural conditions of outdoor settings result in us having to work harder when engaging in physical activities. Natural elements such as inclines, wind, and even temperature will push our bodies harder than the same activity would in an indoor setting, meaning that an identical exercise will burn more calories and increase strength more.
Better Mood
Finally, an entire weekend outdoors can leave you feeling refreshed and in higher spirits, thanks to the natural power of both sunlight and exercise. Even during colder and drearier months, the exposure to natural light and exercise has been shown to boost mood and even self-esteem.
As little as a few minutes of outdoor presence has been shown to produce results, so an entire weekend in the great outdoors definitely is worth the effort if you're feeling gloomy.
With notable benefits both for yourself and your relationships, planning a weekend outdoors could be just what you need. Whether you're ready to be in a better mood, get more exercise or enjoy close connections to people you care about, this form of activity is definitely worth planning.
Photo Credit:
Scott Goodwill
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