7 Reasons Why Outdoor Activity Is Good For You

7 Reasons Why Outdoor Activity is Good for
You
In this day and age of technological breakthroughs, everyone would agree that it has its
pros and cons. While mobile phones, the Internet, or the basic computer have made
everyone’s lives better, it is still undeniable that this technology has also caused a few other
activities to be pushed aside. Walk around the streets and the majority of the people are
either on their smart phones or listening to their MP3 players, as if saying to anyone who
passes them by to mind their own business. It has to be said that at some point, these
gadgets have alienated people from each other.
The good thing is that a new concept has been introduced which encourages people to go
for gadget or social media detox; that is, keeping their hands, eyes, and ears away from the
computer or phone and just focus on other things. One of the activities that people who go
through this detox can engage in is exploring the great outdoors. It is that time when people
go out and bask into nature uninterrupted by a text message or a phone call. Surprisingly,
experts say that outdoor activities can reap as many benefits as staying online can.
Physical Benefits
Every outdoor activity entails some form of physical activity. Whether it is sports related or
just plain walking around the park, these activities encourage physical exercise which is
good to improve one’s well-being. Going for a brisk walk in the morning is a good way to
catch Vitamin D from the sunlight. Engaging in simple games can develop physical agility
and proper body coordination.
Mental Exercise
During hiking, camping, and backpacking, physical body parts are not the only ones that get
exercised. Even the mind can benefit from these physical activities. When using a map to
navigate a particular area, it encourages a healthy mental health. While exploring the great
outdoors and the mind is free to explore, it develops learning.
Improved behaviour
As people come in to contact with others, certain behavior can be developed. Learning how
to act in front of a large crowd or work together with a team are some of the things that can
be developed when a person engages in activities that require him to work with others. The
values of sharing, problem solving, and cooperating are learned.
Personality Development
Living in a fast paced environment can wear a person down. As such, exploring the
outdoors allows a person to free his mind from the stresses and demands of work. Going
away for a weekend to explore other places encourages a person’s sense of adventure and
takes his mind off from the hustle and bustle of the corporate jungle. By engaging in outdoor
activities, a person develops his self-confidence and creativity by making things around him
interesting.
Better Social Skills
The outdoors is a great place to develop a person’s social skills. Becoming involved in
activities allows us to meet new people and interact with them. Doing stress-relieving
activities with other people allows us to bond and develop a strong sense of community
where we can be ourselves and feel we belong.
Increased Work Productivity
People who engage themselves in regular outdoor activity tend to me more relaxed while at
the same time active. They react better even in stressful situations and also exhibit high
productivity. Companies believe that the individual productivity of their employees, when
combined indicate increase in their profits as well.
Increased Environmental Awareness
As people continue to explore the great outdoors and discover the beauty of nature, they
certainly become aware of the environmental issues in the society. Active people tend to put
more value to things they have come to appreciate, like nature. This new sense of
awareness encourages them to protect the environment and involve themselves in causes
that push environmental care forward.
There will always come a time when this highly technological lifestyle will wear the person
down. As such, health experts continue to encourage everyone to maintain a particular
balance of keeping in touch with the real world while maximizing the benefits of this age’s
breakthroughs. Exploring the great outdoors certainly presents a wonderful opportunity.
But of course we’d have such philosophical thoughts being a boat hire company, but
seriously, when we see customers returning completely relaxed and energised we simply
know we have a great product that really makes a positive impact.
WHAT IS OUTDOOR RECREATION?

According to a 1993-94 Nova Scotia Woodlot Owner Survey conducted for the Nova Scotia Department
of Natural Resources, 27 per cent of respondents said outdoor recreation was one of the reasons they
own their woodlot. Outdoor recreation refers to leisure activities that take place in a natural setting and
benefit the body, mind and/or spirit. Examples are hiking, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling and wildlife
viewing.
Outdoor recreation can overlap with competitive outdoor activities such as orienteering or ski races. It can
also be done with other activities such as environmental education for example hiking to study an old
growth forest. Outdoor recreation can also simply be enjoying the peace and quiet in a non-physical way.
The example below illustrates the wide variety of outdoor recreation activities and may give you a few
new ideas too. Some of the more common ones are listed below. Check off those you do now on your
woodlot and put a question mark beside those you are considering.
Hiking Cross country skiing

Running Skating
Mountain biking Snowshoeing
Horse riding Snowmobiling
Canoeing ATV/ dirt bike riding
Camping Wildlife viewing
Rock climbing Nature study
Swimming Photography
Fishing Hunting
Other:
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Outdoor recreational activities benefit people in a variety of ways. Some are listed below. Many activities
provide a combination of physical, mental and spiritual benefits.
Physical fitness
Some of these activities will help keep you physically fit if you do them regularly.
Relaxation
The woodlot provides a quiet setting to escape from everyday pressures and relax your mind while
enjoying an outdoor activity.
Adventure
Some of these activities such as mountain biking can be stimulating, challenge your limits, and provide
fun and adventure.
Personal enjoyment
You may appreciate the outdoors for such pleasures as enjoying the beautiful scenery, or the sense of
discovery in finding interesting historical or natural features such as wild flowers.
Nature Appreciation
Spending time on the woodlot can encourage an appreciation of what we see and a desire to better
understand and care for nature.

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7 Reasons Why Outdoor Activity is Good for

Better Social Skills

Increased Work Productivity

Increased Environmental Awareness

WHAT IS OUTDOOR RECREATION?

Hiking Cross country skiing

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