Wellness in the Wild

Another symptom of this “go, go, go” world is the belief that exercise must be intense to be beneficial. But don’t believe the hype!

Slow adventures, sometimes called gentle travel, such as walking, hiking, cycling or canoeing, offer many benefits. As well as enabling you to take in your immediate surroundings more easily, and according to a study by ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal, low-impact exercise outdoors can lower blood pressure and heart rate, enhance vitamin D levels, improve eyesight, and promote general happiness.

Additionally, as stated in this article, the rush of fresh air and natural light regulates your circadian rhythm, ensuring you have a restful sleep at your cosy accommodation after a wonderful day out in the wild.

Take the scenic route. Read our blog on embracing the slow adventure mindset.

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Our pick for some of the best slow adventures includes:

Causeway Coast, Antrim

Hiking the Causeway Coastal Route spanning Co. Antrim and Co. Derry

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Biking through West Cork

Cycling along the stunning West Cork coastline

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Kayaking In Lough Gill

A gentle kayak trip in Lough Gill, Co. Sligo

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Beach, Aran Islands

Taking a stroll along one of the Aran Islands’ beautiful beaches

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These days, when faced with a moment’s silence, most of us will reach for our phones to fill that gap as soon as conveniently possible. And for what reason – the fear of missing out? Avoiding your thoughts? Boredom? Habit?

There is power in disconnecting from the digital world and reconnecting with yourself and your loved ones. That’s easier said than done, but a digital detox in the natural world around you offers perspective, space, and beauty. A study by Atchley, R. A., Strayer, D. L., & Atchley, P. (2012) supports the significant cognitive advantages that stepping away from electronic devices and immersing in nature can bring, such as increasing creativity and improving problem-solving abilities by 50%.

Social media sells itself as a way to stay connected with others. But there is no better way to improve communication and strengthen interpersonal relationships than to experience the outdoors with your nearest and dearest. With more opportunities for sustainable small group travel, there is always the potential to make new connections.

So take a deep breath, sign off and set your sights on the adventures that await you. There is no better way back to wellness than connecting with yourself through the natural world around you.