“Plan an Adventure”
School is out and summer is definitely in! What shall one do with the time we have, time that our kids are now home rather than at school? How about plan an adventure…an outdoor adventure!
Adventures don’t have to involve a whole lot of planning; they can be simple and take place right outside your front door. I will say…if you can plan a big adventure…go for it!
Now what is an adventure exactly? If we look it up it is defined as: an undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks or an exciting or remarkable experience. Outside of this definition, there are no other rules to an adventure, so make it up yourself!
One thing I find easy for little adventures with my daughter are walking to the country homes right outside of my neighborhood. We go around the fields and admire the different animals. There’s an area off the path with rocks and little hills that we like to walk through…we feel like we are walking through dangerous territory. We find large sticks and use them as our walking sticks to protect us from any surprise “attack”! ;-)
We also enjoy more planned times of being adventurous…during a camping trip taking a hike and exploring the nature surrounding our camp site.
If this sounds appealing to you, let me add some benefits from being adventurous outdoors:
1. FRESH AIR- more oxygen being around trees & the happy feeling from the release of serotonin. Also fresh air can improve blood pressure, improve digestion and boost ones immune system.
2. Socialization- you’ll enjoy a unique experience together that will help you keep a healthy, happy relationship.
3. Improved Mood- spending some time outside in the sunlight can even out the levels of melatonin in your brain. Melatonin is the chemical that makes you feel tired and can induce feelings of depression, so by being adventurous outdoors, you can enjoy better overall moods during and after your adventure.
4. Less Stress- The lack of stress is related to the rise in oxygen levels, higher levels of serotonin and managed levels of melatonin mentioned above. There’s also an emotional component at work here, since it’s harder to be annoyed or angry when you’re doing something that you enjoy.
5. Exercise- Let’s not forget the most obvious benefit of an outdoor adventure: you’re spending a lot of time performing physical activities. Even if you’re not running or doing something strenuous, you’re burning more calories than sitting in the house.
Now, if you’re not pumped to get out there and go on an adventure, I don’t know what will motivate you.
Take it from me, it will make you and whoever you take happier- so get on out and be adventurous!
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