The Playground Awaits, Get Out There!
Physical, Social, Emotional & Intellectual Benefits of Outdoor Activities
Although I would still encourage everyone to attend Tessfit classes it is the time of year when the great outdoors really does become our playground.
Outdoor activities are enjoyable for everyone no matter what their age. Being physical while outdoors provides a way to get outside and enjoy our natural surroundings. Apart from breathing fresh air (which should not be underestimated as a healthy lifestyle choice) the outdoors provides many activities to keep you entertained and wanting to go back for more (just like the classes!). The benefits of outdoor recreation are endless and will help keep you (and your family) physically and mentally healthy.
Variety & Choice:
Outdoor recreation provides a multitude of advantageous physical activities that may be performed alone, with friends and family , or within a local group. Activities such as hiking, kayaking, swimming, ball sports, walking and numerous others give you more choices for enjoyable exercise, which is likely to keep you motivated.
Social Benefits
I have watched many friendships develop through Tessfit not least of all my own! Participating in any sports and recreation outdoors also provides people with an opportunity to meet and build relationships with others. Participating in a team or group will help you to form lasting friendships with people who share your passion for outdoor fun. Simply chatting to someone new for a while can lift your spirits and brighten your day.
Feel Good Factor
Breathing fresh air in a natural environment helps many people to relax and reduce stress and anxiety. I am never more calm and content than when I am near the sea. If I am jogging, even better 🙂
Taking disabled clients out from their nursing homes to see the a little bit of their world has opened my eyes to the sheer joy something as simple as fresh air can give someone who can no longer choose when they experience that simple pleasure.
Physical activity helps reduce stress and prevents some cases of depression. Exercise reduces anxiety, and consistent activity provides more relief for anxiety and depression. Better self-esteem often results from consistency partially due to a decrease in stress and to the overall feeling of well-being that occurs from regular aerobic exercise.
Improve Sleep with Movement!
Studies show that people who exercise regularly experience longer, deeper, more restful sleep. Of course there are always exceptions and to sleep well every night would be very unusual! Better regular sleep results in more energy and alertness the following day, allowing better concentration and the ability to think more clearly. We all know what that ‘brain fog’ feels like.
So get out there and experience something new or re-start an old passion that you thought was in the past. We are never too old to enjoy life and remember not to check the forecast, it is often wrong and adverse weather can heighten the experience. Trust me, I am an expert in this!!
