Pack a bottle of refreshing cold brew on these good-for-you nature escapes.
Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to support wellbeing. Hydration has been linked to numerous health benefits, including optimal cognitive function, joint mobility, and gut health and immunity. With the active, warmer summer season approaching, it’s more important than ever!
Below, find three summer outdoor escapes, each of which offers unique benefits.
Unwind On a “Blue Mind” Picnic
A picnic with nourishing snacks and a book in tow is one of our favorite ways to while away a sunny afternoon. To make a slow day like this even more restorative, head to the beach.
We’ve all experienced it: you walk along the ocean with your feet in the surf and instinctively take a deep breath and exhale. You feel calmer, more grounded, and minor worries melt away. The restorative effect of being by water is rooted in science and known as “Blue Mind Theory”. The term was coined by biologist Wallace J. Nichols in his book, Blue Mind, and is grounded in the idea that being close to water puts us in a semi-meditative state with benefits for our wellbeing. Although this is still an emerging field of research, studies show that the sight and sound of water release calming neurochemicals, with a relaxing and restorative effect on our minds.
Go Forest Bathing
Walking is one of the best forms of exercise, and heading into a forest environment compounds the benefits. Strolling through the woods slowly and intentionally may restore cognitive function and reduce stress and cortisol levels, according to a 2024 study published in Frontiers in Psychology.
The idea of forest bathing became popular when an eco-therapy called shinrin-yoku—literally meaning “forest bath”—emerged in Japan in the ‘80s as an antidote to tech burnout. Its roots can be traced back millennia, to the time of the ancient Celts. There are many forest bathing experiences led by certified guides, but if you’re heading out on your own try slowing your walking pace down and bringing awareness to the sounds, scents, and textures of nature.
Challenge Yourself on a Mountain Hike
While forest bathing and spending time by the water have a calming effect, there are also benefits to kicking things up a notch with a more physically demanding outdoor adventure such as an alpine hike.
Research is demonstrating that physical exercise, particularly activities that challenge us, is one of the most effective ways to boost resilience. Resilience is defined as the ability to overcome difficult circumstances, and it’s a muscle that can be strengthened. So, the next time that you’re huffing and puffing up a steep trail, remember that persevering may help you cope with other hard situations.