The main mental and physical health benefits of going outdoors include a lift in mood. They also support cognitive function, creativity and concentration.
There are so many outdoor options for the adventurous New York City, from top-level observation towers to calm parks. Don’t hesitate to explore! Here are some fun thoughts to get you started.
1. Take a Day Off
Outdoor sports are a cardio healthy practice, and even can get rid of your unwanted pounds. Not only that, but these sports keep your blood pressure and cholesterol as good as possible to promote good health.
Whether you’re in the mood for adventure or rejuvenation, there are numerous outdoor options for a day off with a difference. Plant a tree or go to Jane’s Carousel in Dumbo to hang with family or friends!
2. Start a New Hobby
Choose a hobby that will make you feel better, more mentally healthy and more happy. Set up a tree, eat fish or find something to do such as dancing that will get your interest and grow it.
It is good for the body as well as the mind, which are physical hobbies such as roller skating, sports, hiking, yoga. They lower blood pressure and bring you up a gear – plus, they get you socialized!
3. Go for a Coffee Date
The coffee dates are not too long and can be slipped in between other pursuits and they are more casual than a dinner or an activity date.
Find a café that has outdoor tables or a museum with local art – even window shopping can be fun if you both like the same people! Discuss things that are of interest to each other, and get to know each other as you go!
4. Plan an Outdoor Concert
Summer is also a good time to go to concerts outdoors. Whether it is pretty places, cheery audience or phenomenal performances – outdoor concerts are the thing that make your senses go wild.
You have to have weather plans for outdoors events. Any complete plan must have multiple thresholds/triggers to trigger different levels of response from on-premise personnel.
Not only is it important to have communication between participants, ask them to show up for any and all weather.
5. Have a Picnic
The dining experience is always a different one outside, either with the family or friends. This is the kind of foodie journey that makes it all worth your while when you are able to share and cook together an al fresca meal in such beautiful environments.
You can even walk and just ponder what we are grateful for and breathe in fresh air for a natural lift. Card games or a game could also come along as distractions!
6. Go for a Walk
Walking is a simple but incredibly health-giving exercise with many health benefits. Regular exercise also helps in lowering anxiety and stress, cartilage health, self-esteem, and the growth of strong bones.
Also, walking gets your mind working; if you’re finding it hard to break free of mental impediments, a walk in nature might be exactly what you need to break them. Consider switching the distance and hour of your walks so you see different things while walking the same path at different hours of the day.
7. Take a Sketchbook Walk
You can get incredibly therapeutic out there, under a tree with a sketchbook and pencils. You might not be an artist, but it can be therapeutic to just make some lines on paper.
: Historic Sketchwalks might be available in your town or city, ask local organizations what’s available – many offer free or cheap participation.
8. Go Snowshoeing
It is a fun activity to get out in nature in the winter and is a great exercise as well as outdoor activity! Anyone who loves to hike will love snowshoeing.
NYC parks are wonderful urban picnicking and playing places. Something a little more lazy, why not lie under a tree with your sketchbook for a mindful nature walk? Similarly, snowshoe rentals are great places to get outdoor gear for your outdoors adventure.
9. Set Your Goals
Setting and hitting targets are integral to being in the wilderness. Whether that be hiking a trail or fishing for specific quotas on fishing trips, knowing the target in a realistic way will set you up for success and keep you focused as you travel.
Incorporate getting out in nature. And you’ll reap all the benefits of good recovery, mental and emotional health and a community to do it in.
