Urban life is getting increasingly fast-paced. With busy schedules and huge workloads, we can easily downplay the need for outdoor activities. It might seem more practical to use work breaks to rest rather than indulge in outdoor adventure. However, experts concur that outdoor activities tremendously boost your mental well-being, positively impacting your productivity when you resume work. Here are seven outdoor activities you should try depending on your interests, location, and free time.
Urban life is getting increasingly fast-paced. With busy schedules and huge workloads, we can easily downplay the need for outdoor activities. It might seem more practical to use work breaks to rest rather than indulge in outdoor adventure. However, experts concur that outdoor activities tremendously boost your mental well-being, positively impacting your productivity when you resume work. Here are seven outdoor activities you should try depending on your interests, location, and free time.
Camping
Camping is a great way to escape the hassles of the city. In 2022, 92 million households in America identified as campers. As of 2024, the value of the US camping market is estimated to be $23.27 billion. This outdoor pastime is popular for several reasons. First, it helps you bond with nature and the outdoors. If you find a great camping spot, you can enjoy the breeze and quiet, watch birds, and engage in activities like fishing.
Also, since you do not have a lot of technology to distract you while camping, it’s an excellent way to bond with family and friends. This is why bonfires are such a famous part of camping. Get together around a campfire and make stories as you drink and dine. You may run out of firewood, but the memories will last. If possible, avoid using your phone and other gadgets as much as possible when camping. Respond to essential and emergency calls, but limit unnecessary browsing. That way, you’ll realize the full relaxing benefits of camping in the wild.
Hiking
Hiking is another outdoor favorite for many. As enjoyable as it is to be out in the sun, with the wind ruffling your hair and your boots digging gently into the ground, the experience is also good for your overall health.
No matter what kind of trail you choose, hiking will always exercise your entire body. Ascending and going downhill increases your heart rate, constituting a moderate to intense cardio workout depending on how fast you move or how challenging the trail is. Like any other cardio workout, hiking lowers your blood pressure, bad cholesterol, and danger of heart disease. In addition, carrying your own weight and bags up the trail and back builds muscle and helps keep osteoporosis away.
Besides the mental and physical health benefits, hiking is a clever way to socialize. If you find social events like raves too hectic, try hiking. Popular trails like those in national parks always have hikers all year round. Join them and psyche each other up. In the process, you make new friends. You could also introduce your neighbors and friends and take that opportunity to grow closer to one another.
Bungee Jumping
Bungee jumping is a unique type of thrill. Unlike hiking, it only requires mental strength. You don’t need to be fit to bungee jump. You only have to be healthy and free of any underlying health conditions. If you have a health condition, it is advisable to consult your doctor before you decide to bungee jump.
It’s normal to feel nervous and scared on the platform before the jump. You must push past this fear and dive headfirst. The best part of bungee jumping is the few free-fall seconds. It’s almost as if you’re in another realm as gravity pulls you fast towards the ground. To savor this adrenaline-packed part of the jump, try not to shut your eyes. You’ll feel like an eagle gliding through the sky for a moment. Your heart rate will shoot, and you’ll feel genuinely alive.
When it looks like you’re about to crash into the river or ground, the rope breaks the fall. At this point comes the amazing pendulum-like rebound. By now, you’re likely giggling or laughing from the realization that the jump is done and you’re okay. This awesome experience costs at least $110 in the US. You could pay more depending on your package and jump height.
Rafting
Adventure is an essential spice of life. We must all step out of our comfort zones occasionally and let the adrenaline rush. Like bungee jumping, whitewater rafting gives you a special thrill. Outdoor adventure is just as much about feelings as it is about sights. The concern as you crash through rapids and the sudden feeling when your stomach drops as you descend a waterfall are priceless. Before you get yourself together, you have water splashing onto your face, and you’re struggling to keep your inflatable raft from drifting in the wrong direction.
Besides the thrill, rafting can be a fun way to socialize as you enjoy the scenery and spot wild animals. Get big rafts and paddle with your friends and family. After the exciting experience, you’ll likely be closer to each other than before.
Target Shooting
In America, over 20 million people take part in target shooting annually. They spend approximately $16.9 billion annually on firearms, ammunition, and custom accessories like sights and Glock back plates. As expensive a hobby as target shooting may be, many Americans love it as guns are a pivotal part of the American identity.
Many participants say that shooting is an intensely thrilling and rewarding experience. Most regular shooters develop a connection with their firearms through customizations and cleaning, making it all the more satisfying to watch them discharge bullets that go on to hit and obliterate targets. Also, most ranges organize shooting competitions, a great place to make friends and learn more about guns and necessary customizations.
Lastly, target shooting has practical benefits. It helps you develop your marksmanship, making you a more efficient hunter and increasing your chances of warding off armed attackers.
Biking
Biking is a popular mode of exercise, transportation, and recreation. You don’t need to go up steep slopes or rough terrains unless you prepare for a competition. Otherwise, a simple evening ride around the neighborhood or campsite is enough activity to enjoy the sun and cool breeze. Also, when you cycle, you notice some intriguing elements of your environment you’d never see inside a car.
If you are a passionate cyclist and want more challenging escapades, join a local bicyclist club and have fun cycling over longer distances. In addition to exercising, having fun, and socializing, you also get to save your environment. The more people cycle, the less they use cars and the lower the level of greenhouse emissions. Get a bicycle and join the over 51 million Americans who cycle regularly.
Caving
Many consider caves dangerous due to the possibility of collapses, getting stuck in tight spaces, and the lack of escape routes. Fortunately, out of the more than two million US citizens visiting caves yearly, only about 15 suffer injuries. That makes caving a fairly safe outdoor adventure. You should be fine, provided you have the right protective tactical gear and do not venture into hazardous caves.
As you walk through the caves, you will see some wildlife and plant life you may never encounter outside. It’s an intriguing explorative activity that leisure seekers are increasingly getting to love. Like every other outdoor adventure on this list, it’s an excellent escape from daily life and has commendable mental health benefits.
Wrap Up
However busy you are, please spare some time to participate in some of the above outdoor activities. If none of these tickles your fancy, still set aside some time to partake in the ones that do. Life is fast and busy, and keeping in touch with loved ones can be challenging over the phone. Plan getaways occasionally and get your mind off your stressful life. Step out to stay sane!