Get Outside & Get Active!

Studies have shown that being outside supports a healthy lifestyle and boosts the overall wellness of the human mind and body. One of the many advantages of being outside is that it relaxes stress muscles, and heart rate and serves as an excellent motivation to participate in outdoor physical exercises such as cycling, swimming, hiking, yoga, football and many others. Getting outside also provides a suitable environment for friends to connect which results in building better relationships.

Getting outside and active doesn’t have to be a lot of work, there are lots of ways for you to enjoy quality time outdoors while participating in simple activities. These activities may range from taking a nature walk in the woods, with deep breaths, engaging in your routine exercises in a natural environment, or going for a camping activity.



WAYS OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES BOOST GENERAL WELLBEING

Physical Health

1.  it can help with weight loss and the overall maintenance of a healthy weight

2. it lowers blood pressure and the risk of diabetes

3. it reduces the risk of contracting diseases

Mental Health

1. It relieves anxiety, stress, anger, pressure and depression

2. It increases your energy and improves feelings of vitality and focus

3. It improves sleep quality and improves one’s creative thinking ability

4. It can also help individuals get over the grief and cause mental healing and restoration

Social Health

1. it enhances social interaction

2. it builds one’s communication skills

3. it helps you explore and get to know your environment better.



Speaking of exploring the environment; one of my priorities when I first got into England was to go out and get familiar with my environment. Some beautiful parks to explore are; Lickey Hills Country Park, Palmers Rough Local Nature Reserve, Himley Hall and Park, Sutton Park, Woodgate Valley Country Park, Baggeridge Country Park, Sandwell Valley Country Park, Wrottesley Park, War Memorial Park and my favourite – Coombe Abbey Park.

Coombe Abbey Park is one of the best places to visit. The park consists of 500 acres of beautiful gardens, bird watching, woodlands and lakeside walks. Coombe Abbey Park is open to the public for relaxation, to picnic with family and friends or to engage in its wide variety of outdoor activities.

Engaging in outdoor activities is a sure strategy for improving the mental, physical and social well-being of an individual. Although some persons are introverts and prefer their closed spaces while others are extroverts and are therefore very outspoken and outgoing. So, to achieve improved general well-being a balance should be established between one’s time and a time set aside to Get Outside and Get Active.