While most people realise that spending time outdoors is beneficial to them, studies executed at the University of East Anglia, United Kingdom, have now proven that spending time outdoors has numerous health benefits. A new report released by the British university claims that exposure to outdoor green environments reduces the chance of type II diabetes, heart disease, premature death, and high blood pressure. The latest report even indicates a reduction in stress-related conditions!
Research Data from Twenty Countries
The study executed at the University of East Anglia did not solely contain data from the United Kingdom. Researchers included information gathered from twenty different countries; this included Australia, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, and others.
“We found that spending time in, or living close to, natural green spaces is associated with diverse and significant health benefits. It reduces the risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, and preterm birth, and increases sleep duration.”
“People living closer to nature also had reduced diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and stress. In fact, one of the really interesting things we found is that exposure to greenspace significantly reduces people’s levels of salivary cortisol — a physiological marker of stress.”
What the Research Data Means for Everyday Life
With modern technology being as it is today, we spend a lot less time in the great outdoors. The study indicates that it is important to spend more time outdoors, even if one must make a special effort. Fortunately, there are many ways to spend meaningful time in nature with great outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. Here are some of the best ideas!
Go Fishing
One of the best ways to spend a lot of time outdoors is fishing. Australia is home to many great fishing locations and it is a hobby you can get into quite easily. Fishing supplies are easy to obtain these days too. Fishing rods are more affordable than ever thanks to discount stores such as Anaconda. So, if you want to get into fishing, you do not have to spend exuberant amounts of money to do so.
Camping or Hiking
Another wonderful way to spend more time in the outdoors is going on a camping or a hiking trip. Not only is this a fun activity for yourself, you can take the entire family with you and let them enjoy the benefits of camping and hiking too.
Skydiving
Are you a bit of a daredevil? If you are, then you should consider skydiving as a regular hobby. While it may be a bit more of an investment than camping or hiking, the thrill seeker in you can spend more time in the great outdoors by jumping out of a plane.
Surf’s Up
Living in Australia also means you have great access to the best surf in the world. Thus, it would be criminal not to mention surfing as a great outdoor activity. Nowadays, you can easily get one-on-one surf lessons, but if you are looking for some bonding with other surfers, group lessons are available too.
Spend Some Time in the National Parks
Australia is not only home to amazing surfing locations, since our beautiful country also provides plenty of national parks to enjoy. If you are already a nature fan, exploring the nearby nature parks could be the outdoor activity for you.
If you are not that familiar with nature parks, but want to start visiting some, be sure to check out available activities on the grounds. Most nature parks can also provide you with an experienced guide, who can take you to some of the more remote locations in the park. He or she can also advise an activity that may be available on the grounds; this could include waterfall sailing, abseiling, and swimming.
Swim with Dolphins
Animal lovers can swim with dolphins to spend a little more time outdoors. Of course, this is an activity that you may not be able to do every week. So, be sure to look at other activities such as horseback riding and volunteering at the local zoo.
Incorporate Your Tech in Your New Lifestyle
Spending more time in the great outdoors does not mean saying goodbye to your favourite tech gadgets all-together. There are many ways in which you can incorporate your Smartphone, Tablet, or other tech into your new outdoorsy lifestyle.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
