5 Outdoor Activities that Promote Wellness and Boost Immunity

Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to prevent chronic disease, premature death, and improve health and immune function. It is well documented that people who regularly exercise feel better, live longer, and have a much better quality of life.

Why Exercise Outdoors?

While quality exercise is essential for good health, exercising outdoors around nature, fresh air and sunshine provides numerous additional benefits for the mind and body. Research in a growing scientific field called ecotherapy has shown a strong connection between time spent in nature and reduced stress, anxiety, and depression.

Because of modern technology, people are spending more time indoors than ever before. Getting outside and breathing fresh air has numerous important benefits. Furthermore, sunlight is the most natural way for us to get the necessary vitamin D that our bodies require.

Let’s go over some of the best outdoor activities for promoting wellness and good health, as well as how CBD can possibly be used to make them more enjoyable.

1. Hiking

Going for a hike up a mountain or along a trail is the perfect way to get some good outdoor exercise while also spending quality time in nature. Hiking is particularly good for the leg muscles, but it can also work your core and lower back depending on the size of bag you carry. In addition to strengthening the muscles, hiking can improve bone density and lower the chances of developing osteoporosis. Hiking has also been shown to lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and body fat, and improve flexibility and coordination.

As mentioned above, being in nature also has a range of positive effects on your mental health. Furthermore, going on hikes with family and friends is a great way to strengthen relationships.

2. Yoga

Practicing yoga has countless benefits in and of itself, but taking it outdoors gets back to the root of yoga’s original purpose–connecting with nature and the universe–and will maximize its effectiveness. 

Yoga has long been known to improve health and promote wellness, such as by correcting posture and improving flexibility, boosting the immune system, promoting good sleep, and soothing the mind.

Outdoors yoga offers a refreshing environment from the usual indoor yoga studio, and practicing on uneven terrain can make performing yoga poses even more effective. Opting to practice yoga as one of your outdoor activities can provide breathtaking sights, sounds, and sensations that will only enhance all of the positive effects that yoga brings. 

3. Swimming

Swimming is mainly popular as a recreational outdoor activity, but it is also one of the most effective forms of full-body aerobic exercise there is. Being submerged in water means more effort must be exerted to move around, but there is also less stress placed on joints and weight-bearing parts of the body. Swimming is thus a perfect form of exercise for those with arthritis or are rehabbing an injury.

As with most exercise, swimming can boost mood, improve overall heart health, and even encourage a longer life. Moreover, swimming is particularly good for your respiratory muscles, and is seen as a much more enjoyable activity than other forms of exercise. Treading through water can be very relaxing and provide peace of mind.

4. Running

People all around the world live by the many health benefits of running, and for very good reason. Running on a regular basis can help stave off a number of diseases and conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and possibly even cancer. Running for just 5-10 minutes a day can add several years to your life. Running can also drastically improve one’s mood, so much so that it’s even recommended to people who are suffering from depression or anxiety. 

Furthermore, research suggests that running actually strengthens the knees, contrary to popular belief. Knee pain typically arises due to improper warm-up (stretching, gradually increasing intensity), inadequate rest periods, and poor nutrition. If these concerns are taken care of, then there’s no reason to fear that running will eventually lead to pain.

5. Walking

Walking may not seem as effective as running due to being less intensive, but it can be just as beneficial for your health, and even provide some unique benefits of its own. Walking for 30+ minutes a day can prevent arthritis from developing, burn calories, discourage weight gain, and improve mood. Walking is especially effective for boosting the immune system. Taking regular walks will reduce how often you get sick, and make colds shorter and milder.

While walking is a good low-impact exercise, it can also be done as a form of “mobile meditation”. Taking a scenic route and being mindful of the world and your inner thoughts is a great way to relax and release stress.

Using CBD With Outdoor Activities

CBD is a non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant that provides many therapeutic effects, and using it can greatly increase the effectiveness and enjoyment of outdoor physical activities. CBD works as a stimulant at lower doses, so using it before exercising can boost your energy, and consequently, your motivation.

In addition, applying CBD oil to your muscles during exercise recovery can reduce soreness and inflammation. Lastly, higher doses of CBD have a sedating effect, which can help you get a good night’s sleep to encourage strong immune function and allow your muscles to recover even faster.

Leave a comment below and let us know which outdoor activities you like the most, or let us know if we’ve missed any other activities that you enjoy doing outdoors.