Ah, local outdoor activities! It's such a great idea to enjoy the nature around us… Without having to go too far!
Over time, I realized that going far to connect with nature just wasn’t sustainable on a daily basis. I started spacing out my moments in nature more and more, and my overall well-being started to suffer.
Because of lack of time, resources, and desire, I found myself staying inside more and more.
And those four walls, in the end, started to feel like they were closing in on me.
The less I did, the less I wanted to do; it’s a vicious cycle that creeps into our lives without us even noticing.
Until one fine morning, I realized that my daily routine was preventing me from fully enjoying the warm rays of the sun when they showed up.
So, I decided to start practicing local outdoor activities 😊
This concept changed my life, and I hope that reading this article will change yours too!
How to practice outdoor local activities?
First, identify the parks, nature reserves, and green spaces near your home.
Second, make sure you’re properly equipped by wearing clothes suitable for the activity and the weather conditions. In winter, I never leave the house without my warm and cozy AYABA III coat. It’s designed for temperatures as low as -30°C, and it’s one of the few -30°C coats that is waterproof, making it extremely versatile. Plus, its double-slider zipper makes movement much easier, which makes it really comfortable to move in and provides a full range of leg movement. It also has a gusseted zipper, making it easier to wear a scarf. As for my Ayaba, I chose the Small, my usual size for clothes, because it’s warm enough on its own, so I don’t need to layer base or mid-layers underneath.
One morning, while walking in my neighborhood with a nice coffee in hand, I slipped without losing ground, but my coffee splashed all over my Ayaba. Oh no! I was sure I’d stained it.To my surprise, when I cleaned it, it was as good as new! So, I’ll tell you this—the Ayaba is also stain-resistant! Tested and approved! 😊
You can choose from all sorts of activities to enjoy, like hiking, birdwatching or animal spotting, cycling, and summer picnics!
You can also take your coffee outside instead of drinking it indoors.
You can also join hiking clubs or cycling groups in your area, as well as get involved in park clean-up projects or conservation efforts in your city.
The benefits :
The benefits of local outdoor activities are numerous and affect different aspects of our daily lives. So, find a park or a nature spot near you and off you go!
Here are some advantages:
Physical benefits
- Improved physical fitness: Activities like hiking, cycling, or even walking help improve fitness and maintain a healthy weight.
- Boost immune system: Exposure to fresh air and sunlight can strengthen the immune system.
- Reduced risk of diseases: An active, outdoor lifestyle can lower the risk of chronic diseases, like heart disease and diabetes.
Mental benefits
- Stress reduction: Spending time in nature helps reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone.
- Mood improvement: Green spaces and exercise release endorphins, contributing to a better mood.
- Boosted immune system: Exposure to fresh air and sunlight can strengthen the immune system.
- Creativity: Stepping away from the routine and spending time outdoors stimulates creativity and innovation.
Social benefits
- Strengthened bonds: Outdoor activities are often social, strengthening connections between friends and family.
- Sense of belonging: Taking part in local outdoor activities creates a bond with the community and the local environment.
Economic benefits
- Lower cost: Local outdoor activities are usually less expensive than distant vacations or paid indoor activities.
- Boost to the local economy: Using local parks, trails, and facilities supports the community’s economy.
Environmental benefits
- Promotion of sustainability: Enjoying local natural resources encourages sustainable use and the preservation of green spaces.
- Reduction of carbon footprint: By reducing car travel to distant locations, we lower our carbon footprint.
In short, local outdoor activities offer a wealth of benefits for health, well-being, finances, and the environment. 🌳🌞
All of this reminds us of the richness and diversity of experiences we can have by enjoying natural spaces close to home. 🌳🏞️🚴
So, get outside! Right in your own backyard. 😉
Outdoor enthusiast and photography lover.
