Modern-day life provides so much convenience that we often forget the true elements of nature. With an increasing number of people living in cities and urban areas, each passing year sees more and more people confined to their familiar settings. With so much to do in most cities, it can be easy to never have the need to leave the urban day-to-day life. This, however, is not how we’re designed to live. The separation of us from mother nature isn’t healthy and can make us forget about the simple pleasures of life. If you’re in the mood for a bit of adventure and need a change of routine, then consider the reasons why you absolutely need to get out of the city for the day.
Improved Focus and Mental Energy
Distractions: they’re everywhere in the hustle and bustle of city life. Our minds are constantly being disrupted by noises of technology, cars, people and a thousand other by-products of urban life. When you get out of the city and head toward calmer and more natural locales, a lot of these distractions fade away. Being able to merely think without such distractions will inevitably help restore a sense of concentration and focus that is impossible to achieve while being constantly hit with sounds, smells and sights that are unnatural. Additionally, this relaxation and calmness can help to boost mental energy levels in some people.
Stress Reduction
Daily life in cities can result in stress from a variety of factors. Environmental stress on physical well-being, emotional stress from family and work, and stress that results from the lack of exercise/endorphins are all common elements in modern urban life. Getting out of the city for just a day can help encourage more exercise while immersed in nature, which helps to naturally alleviate stress levels and improve well-being. So what are you waiting for? Grab a pair of hiking boots, jump in the car, and head for the nearest mountain, park or natural reserve to begin beating that age-old enemy known as stress.
Physical Benefits
Getting out of the city for a day and exploring the great outdoors can be the beginning of a wonderful, healthy trend. In addition to providing much needed exercise for those who languish away in urban environments, there are plenty of other physical health benefits to be enjoyed. First of all, preliminary evidence suggests that being active outdoors can significantly lower the rate of certain cancers. Additionally, several studies suggest that being active outdoors can reduce the rate of early mortality in a meaningful sense. Last but definitely not least, active outdoor exploration can help to improve the immune system’s response to a variety of illnesses.
Whether it’s to improve mental well-being, relieve stress or increase the likelihood of health outcomes, there are plenty of reasons to get outdoors and away from the city for at least one day – ideally, more often. What are some of your favorite outdoor activities? Let us know below in the comments section what helps to get you out of house.