Did you know that more than half of the world’s population lives in urban areas? With the rise of the digital age, it makes it even more difficult to take ourselves away from the technology and urban lives we’re so used to. Everyone needs a break sometimes though!
Instead of visiting a nearby city for your next vacation, take a moment to consider lodging closer to the majestic views of the mountains and wildlife.
Below we’ve outlined some of the benefits of vacationing in the great outdoors and the importance that nature can have on our inner selves!
Makes You Kinder
Have you ever had friends tell you that you’re getting cranky and try to push a vacation on you? Well, they may actually be on to something.
Recent research has supported the idea that being in nature can make us kinder people. If you want to take a trip and leave with a more open heart and an open mind, it would benefit you to book a cabin and experience all of what Mother Nature has to offer.
Alternative to Meditation: Lowers Stress Levels
Multiple studies have found that people who spend a set amount of time in a forested area compared to a group that spent the same amount of time in a city had lower levels of cortisol (cortisol is one of the hormones responsible for stress).
As their stress levels drop, even city dwellers will find that spending some time in the great outdoors can turn them into a nature lover!
Increased Creativity
Many people opt to take a break from their desk jobs for a weekend in the city, but if you’re looking to get past a creative block, you’d be better off spending some time in the great outdoors.
The importance of nature extends past lowering stress. A study conducted in 2012 and one in 2013 both found that spending time in nature can boost cognitive functions. If you want to improve your problem-solving skills for an upcoming project, a vacation in the woods could very well be the solution.
Improved Memory
If you’re looking for a trip to remember, you should opt for a stay near the woods. Being outdoors, or even looking at photos of nature as opposed to urban areas has proven to increase short term memory by up to 20%.
For anyone who is suffering from brain fog or needs a mental boost, taking a break outdoors is one way to take a mental reprieve and improve your memory.
Importance of Nature: Counters Depression
A study found that people who took a walk through a campus park rather than near a noisy nearby highway showed less activity in the part of the brain associated with depression.
The study also found that the same people reported less negative feelings on a questionnaire taken after the walk as opposed to beforehand. If you’re suffering from chronic depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder, you might benefit from a stay in a cabin rather than a weekend in the city!
Stop and Smell the Roses
It can be hard to take a step back from our responsibilities and embrace nature, but the importance of nature cannot be overstated. There is so much beauty to appreciate in the wilderness, and your wellbeing can benefit greatly from an outdoor vacation!
Check out the rest of our website for outdoor vacation packages and more articles on traveling.