Adventure idea for you to try #6
I am typing this post because someone pointed out that I have a tendency to talk about pulse-pounding adrenaline activities. While I think it is important to push your boundaries as much as possible, I don’t think every adventure has to be razors-edge extreme to the max.
Adventure can be something as simple as a relaxing walk in the woods. I am surprised and saddened to hear about how many people don’t spend time in nature. A walk in the woods, or the bush as they say here in Australia, is extremely healthy. It benefits your body, mind, and dare I say, soul.
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir
Let’s look at some of the benefits of a simple walk in nature.
- The most obvious, walking is good exercise
- Weight loss
- Relaxation & stress relief
- Restored mental energy
- Improved concentration
- Better memory
- Improved mental health
- Enhanced creativity
- The production of vitamin D
- A boost to the immune system
- An increased life span
You can get a couple of these benefits from walking just about anywhere. However, most of them come only when immersed in a natural setting. The reasons for this are many. Here are just a couple. We can pay attention to ‘soft fascinations’ like trees blowing in the wind. We can observe plants and animals in a relaxed manner. Walking in the city presents challenges. You have flashing lights and things demanding your attention. Cars might run you over if you’re not careful.
Trees and plants produce chemicals called Phytoncides. These chemicals help boost your immune system. They have even been proven to help produce natural killer cells. These cells fight diseases and can even kill cancer cells.
So, take a walk in the woods you will be glad you did.
