Setting out on an expedition into the unknown and seeing the world firsthand has a certain something about it. Sort of think of it as necessary “soul food”.
An active journey, be it a mountain bike challenge across rough terrain, a climbing expedition to a spectacular peak, a walk into the mountains, or a cycle along rural back roads, can liberate the soul and improve your physical, mental, and emotional state.
These are nine ways that travel is the best experience, and that you can genuinely improve your daily life and well-being by turning your trip into an active one.
Time spent outside relieves stress
Everyone has a smile on their faces after returning from an exciting excursion, and that’s because it made them happy! As you journey through breathtaking countryside, all of life’s stresses simply slip away.
According to a survey, stress levels have been rising in Australia over the past five years, making Australians among the most stressed out individuals in the world. Thankfully, studies indicate that taking outdoor walks might improve attention span and lower stress levels. The study’s primary author, Gregory Bratman, stated that “even brief encounters with nature can reduce this thought pattern that is linked to the onset, and in certain cases, the severity of depression.”
Exercise is made simpler by nature
Here are some tips to make exercising more enjoyable if you’re struggling to find the drive to get in shape.
According to University of Essex research, exercising is much simpler when you are surrounded by greenery, such as grass, trees, and other plants. In order to test the bike, riders pedaled in front of visuals that were green, red, and grey. Compared to the other participants, those who rode in front of the green screen reported feeling less exerted during their rides and exhibiting fewer mood disorders.
Fool yourself and embark on an energetic excursion in the “green” part of nature if you’re searching for a quick and easy method to get in shape.
You can revitalize your soul in nature
Trekking and cycling outside can help you feel more invigorated mentally, which is one of the finest reasons to do it.
“Spending more time with nature not only helps decrease stress levels, but it also shows a shift toward more positive moods,” a Seattle-based environmental psychologist told Huffington Post in an interview. “The theory is that we respond positively to things that are good for us.” In addition to providing shade and shelter, trees also bear fruits and nuts, making them a source of nutrition.
Trees and other natural components can assist elevate our mood since, in the end, we are drawn to and attracted to things that are helpful to our survival.
Feel a sense of success
Taking on a foreign excursion can evoke thoughts of personal triumph regardless of age or size. When we reach our goals, we feel a stronger feeling of accomplishment the harder the journey and the bigger the obstacle.
Using adventure travel as your personal objective can bring you a euphoric experience that lasts long after you’ve come home, whether you’re trekking Kilimanjaro, mountaineering in Nepal, or taking an adventure tour down the Silk Road.
You become more self-aware when you travel
Increasing self-awareness is a byproduct of travel and one of the best things about embarking on an exciting international adventure.
By allowing you to explore and test yourself in ways you never would have imagined, adventure travel helps you get to know your “inner self.”
One of the reasons people, like mountain climbers, participate in adventure activities is the heightened state of self-awareness that can arise from taking a chance and stepping into the unknown.
Being outside can increase your intelligence
There are several methods in which spending time outdoors can improve your higher order cognitive abilities.
The primary “storage unit” of the brain, the hippocampal, becomes more active during active travel. The hippocampus normally shrinks with age, which causes memory loss; however, engaging in vigorous outdoor activities might cause a chemical reaction in the body that causes the hippocampus to grow.
Engage in outdoor excursions to activate your hippocampal region and develop a sharper mind! We suggest visiting New Zealand, home of the Kiwis, for some deliciously active brain food.
Make new acquaintances
Go on an expedition, make some friends. This is the one advantage of traveling abroad that will make you feel good about yourself.
Taking on a project together can strengthen your bonds since you have something in common to talk about and can create enduring ties by sharing your struggles and victories.