At Regatta Great Outdoors, we're all about making the outdoors accessible to everyone, so we made great products that people could afford. Clothing to get them outside and enjoying the fresh air without worrying about what it would cost, and enabling them to join us in our passion for the great outdoors.
As Valentine's day approaches us once again, this year we wanted to focus on our community’s love of the outdoors, and to highlight some of the benefits that our shared love of the outdoors brings us.
There's a whole host of benefits to spending time outside, it's great for the mind, body, and soul. Being active in the great outdoors not only provides physical health benefits but also boosts mental wellbeing.
The Great Outdoors: Good for the Mind, Body & Soul
For the Mind
Spending time outside can help improve your mental health and wellbeing.
If you're feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed, the fresh air and natural surroundings of the countryside or a local trail can be a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It's also a great environment if you're trying to practice mindfulness.
Spending time in nature can lower blood pressure and reduce stress levels so that your body can relax. Even if you're not physically doing anything, just sitting outside can help to achieve this state of mind.
By incorporating regular walks into your weekly routine, you may even start to experience a boost in your self-esteem, quality of sleep, and your overall energy levels.
If you'd like to read more on nature and mental health, Mind.org.uk has a useful guide full of tips and advice to follow.
For the Body
Getting active outdoors has a whole host of health benefits.
You'll of course benefit from including increased blood circulation and enhanced cardiovascular health over time thanks to the exercise, but you'll also be maintaining your vitamin D levels due to the sunlight exposure (and studies indicate that 1 in 6 adults in the UK have low levels of Vitamin D). There's also the feel-good factor, as exercise releases endorphins, the natural chemicals that make you feel happier.
We all know that we should exercise more, but sometimes it's hard to find the time or energy to do so, and to those that have made it their new year's resolution to get fitter, gyms aren't the only place you can keep in shape. How about getting some fresh air and exercising outside?
Whether a brisk walk around your local neighbourhood, running around after little ones in the park or a weekend hike, being outdoors can be a much more engaging way to get your body moving.
Hills, rough terrain, and other natural inclines can be great for working your leg muscles as well as engaging your core muscles. You can even make use of some walking poles if you want to work more areas of your body, whilst keeping your balance on more uneven terrain.
For the Soul
The outdoors has a way of bringing people together.
Whether you're at the beach, hiking in the mountains, or sitting around a campfire under the stars, there's a good chance that you'll meet new people and make new friends when you're outside.
Hiking is one of the best ways to get outside, connect with others and build confidence. You'll run into people with different lifestyles and backgrounds than you, as well as folks of all ages, sizes, cultures, and races. If you're shy or have never been comfortable talking with strangers, it's a great environment to practice. Completing a hike will also give you a sense of accomplishment and maybe even some time to clear your head.
There are plenty of local community groups that will welcome you in on their adventures, here are some of our favourites:
https://www.instagram.com/bgh_uk/
https://www.instagram.com/wonderfulwildwomen/
https://www.instagram.com/muslim.hikers/
