Whether you enjoy outdoor games, riding a bike or even sitting outside while reading a book, nature is accessible to everyone and can be the cause of a really positive experience.
Not only is spending time outdoors a fun option, but it does wonders for your physical and mental well-being.
According to UCDavis Health, activities such as taking a walk or going on a run can help improve our cortisol levels and cardiovascular system.
It can even relieve muscle tension.
In short, being outside can help us feel more rejuvenated and energetic, and can be a fantastic break from our often screen-dominated lives.
Additionally, it is proven that being out in nature can often lead to lower rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases.
On top of that, natural sunlight exposure aids the production of Vitamin D in the body, which is essential for bone and blood health, as well as the immune system.
Not only can the outdoors benefit physical health.
It has also been proven that there are numerous mental benefits to spending quality time with nature.
According to Mind.org, bringing nature into your everyday life can help “reduce feelings of stress and anger, improve your mood and improve confidence and self-esteem.”
In regards to mental illness, there have been many studies that prove nature has an overwhelming effect on reducing aspects of depression, anxiety and OCD.
This exposure to nature can also come in a variety of ways.
Exposing yourself to nature doesn’t always mean going for a hike or walk.
According to the Mayo clinic, the mental health benefits of relaxing activities like gardening, and fitness activities like outdoor workouts, are the most beneficial for mental health.
Naturally, when you spend more time outdoors, you have the ability to connect with nature, as well as with other people
This is an opportunity you may not have if you choose to stay in your room.
While it may be the last thing you want to do when you’re upset or feeling down, leaving your house and going on just a 15- minute walk has the potential to dampen mental illnesses, such as depression or anxiety, and improve mental energy, according to Healthline.
In addition to all of the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside, you also get to enjoy all of the amazing experiences that can take place out of the house.
For those that enjoy physical activities, there is sports.
If they don’t want to play sports they can hike or walk on one of the thousands of trails within driving distance.
If they are not as interested in physical activity they can invest themselves in any one of the innumerable hobbies that are involved with the outdoors.
Some people like to garden or grow their own food.
Others like to look for a certain kind of animal, like birdwatchers.
Others still interest themselves with plants and other things that grow.
The incredible variance of nature allows almost everyone to find a hobby that interests them.
With all of this being said, it may feel difficult for some to find things to do outdoors, especially in our area.
The truth is that the options around are limitless, because there is so much variety in what you can do out in nature.
Places such as Branchwood Park in Telford, or Upper Salford Park in Schwenksville are a short car ride, or even walking distance, away.
Even though these are just small, local parks, they provide a great place to visit with friends, or enjoy a walk.
Other places such as Crystal Cave in Kutztown, Hawk Mountain in Kempton or Ringing Rocks in Upper Black Eddy are a farther distance, but surely worth the commute.
These locations provide unique experiences, and are great for making memories with friends and family.
Each one offers a different adventure or experience.
Whether you choose to travel by yourself or with a group of friends, there is rarely a downside to spending time hiking to beautiful views or playing pickleball with friends.
In this case, not only do we reap the benefits of being outside, but also the benefits of spending time with friends or family.
There are also various groups that are involved with outdoor activities, or engage in them.
For example, the Boy and Girl Scouts are very involved with the outdoors.
Many of their activities are camp outs, hikes or trips to interesting or local natural sites.
In addition to enjoying the outdoors, scouts also learn how to survive and handle themselves outside.
They learn how to start and tend fires, tie knots and enjoy nature responsibly.
While it is important to take the time to cherish nature, it is just as important to recognize that we should not take it for granted.
With the global temperature continuing to increase, problems may begin to present themselves.
According to Climate.gov, the rate of warming has increased to 0.36 degrees Fahrenheit per decade since 1982.
This causes issues such as seasonal temperature extremes, heavier rainfalls and the reduction of snow cover and sea ice, particularly in the arctic.
If we don’t begin to take this issue seriously, we have the potential to permanently alter our planet.
Our generation has the potential to have a huge impact on the future of our planet, both positively and negatively.
It is important that our generation and future generations are aware of that responsibility.
We risk damaging or destroying all of the unique natural locations and wonders that can be found on our planet.