After a long week, chock-full of the stress that comes with everyday life, the popular ritual is to pour yourself a tall glass of Netflix and start mindlessly scrolling through socials as a means to unwind.
The thing is, while binging TV shows is a good way to kill time, it’s not necessarily a great way to spend it. Comparatively, recent studies over the past few years show that being outdoors makes us happier, healthier and more social. Here are some hows and whys:
1. Nature reduces your stress levels
The Japanese call it forest bathing, Instagram calls it #exploremore. Regardless, getting out and amongst it in nature has been proven to de-stress humans. In 2010 a study of 300 people found that your cortisol (AKA the stress hormone) levels lowered much more after a stroll through a forest than they did on a city block.
Personally, I felt a whole lot less stressed watching the sunrise in Kanangra-Boyd National Park one morning than I did after binge-watching the latest season of Black Mirror. Terrific show, but like with anything else that is good, moderation is key.
2. Exploring the outdoors lengthens your life
If you are outdoors, chances are you’re doing some kind of exercise. Doesn’t need to be vigorous paddling along Port Hacking in a kayak, or mountain biking a trail up in the Blue Mountains – even a short hike on the weekend helps keep your joints loose and your heart happy. Some light exercise is 100% better for your health than spending all day working on your butt-groove on the couch. Need some inspiration? Try these short morning walks followed by brunch. It’s called balance.
3. You'll sleep easy post-hike
Good news: a hike – even a short one – can remedy the effects of insomnia. So you can go for a leisurely hike and get a cracking night’s sleep (all things being equal), without feeling guilty for not sprinting around your street!
Did you know? It is best to avoid screens directly before bed. Our bodies naturally produce melatonin when it gets dark, which doesn’t work too well when you’re fixated on a bright light for hours. So post your Insta photos before it gets dark!
4. Create some memorable stories
No one remembers all the weekends they spent bumming around the house watching TV shows when they’re old. Plus, whenever you’re meeting new people, and they ask you what you like doing in your spare time, are you seriously going to tell them you like your cat and watching Netflix? Don’t get us wrong, cats and Netflix are great, but so is nurturing new hobbies and making memories in nature.
When you reminisce about your life, you’re not going to think “Damn, I wish I watched more movies or TV”. Life really is too short to be indoors, so grab your camping gear, book yourself a place in a NSW national park and soak up all the good stuff that nature has to offer.
Remember NSW national parks are natural environments that are unpredictable, so before you go – tell someone (that’s not on your adventure) by completing a trip intention form, plan for all weather conditions – including wearing the right gear – and always check for park alerts. Make sure you leave the bush as you found it too, so the next campers can enjoy it as much as you did.
