There are many benefits to getting outside in the fresh air on a regular basis. Aside from the physical benefits of exercising outdoors, you can also get the mental health benefits of being in nature.
Research shows that spending time in nature can elevate your mood, improve attention span and memory, lower stress levels, and reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
When you are outdoors, you are exposing yourself to sunlight. When sunlight hits your skin, you begin to synthesize active vitamin D, which is essential for supporting bone health, metabolism, and immune function.
If you want to reap all of these benefits but you find simply walking outside a little boring, there are plenty of other outdoor activities that you can try. Here are three of the most fun and exciting activities that will get you into the great outdoors.
1. Shooting
Most people have never used a handgun or rifle. But if you’ve always been fascinated by how weapons function and you fancy learning how to use them yourself, try some outdoor shooting.
There are lots of great shooting ranges that enable you to learn how to shoot with high precision and accuracy. You can learn about different weapons, AMTAC suppressors, and equipment, and how each of them works.
Most shooting ranges will offer courses that teach you everything that you need to know before letting you put your new knowledge to the test. You can shoot rubber birds or bullseye targets to test your accuracy and improve your shooting abilities.
2. Archery
Archery is a highly skilled sport that requires concentration and a steady hand. It’s the perfect outdoor activity to test your physical and mental fitness.
You will easily be able to find an archery range nearby where you can learn how to use various archery products and tools to shoot at various targets and improve your abilities. Most archery shooting ranges are child-friendly and perfect for a family trip out. You can make a day of it and grab some lunch after your archery session.
Archery also offers more than just the act of shooting itself. Most find joy in building and customizing their archery gear. There is so much you can do from customizing your arrows with custom arrow wrap to trying all of the different gadgets to help you shoot better.
3. Hiking
If you love walking and exploring the wonderful areas of nature in and around your neighborhood, hiking could be perfect for you. Feel the fresh air and sunlight on your skin as you hike up a mountain or through a dense forest, all while moving your body in a healthy way.
Hiking can be physically demanding, so if you’re just starting out, it’s important to take things slow. Work your way up to the larger, more intense hikes by extending your hikes a little more each week.
Make sure to stock up on the right hiking gear, too. You will need warm, breathable clothing if you plan to hike during the cold winter months, or lighter, more flexible clothing for the summer.
You will also need comfortable, supportive hiking boots to protect your feet and ankles from hard rocks, potholes, and extreme weather conditions as you hike.
