The Outdoors as a Source of Happiness and Escape

It is very common especially within the younger generations of today, for us to become so lost in the societal need to work hard and make money that we often forget about the importance of sustaining our own emotional and mental happiness. “The Grind,” as it is so often referred to today is something that if you don’t pay attention to it, can make you insane. The competitiveness and judgment of those around us as a result of this idea is also something that can drive many into the ground. This is why for many like myself, escaping into The Great Outdoors is imperative to not only our mental and emotional well-being, but ultimately our survival in the world today. However, this doesn’t mean you have to pack up and head into the woods never to be seen or heard from again, there are smaller things you can do to enrich your life on a weekly, or even daily basis. 

Local Parks

Odds are, even if you live in a big city, there is some form of parks or gardens around you, it’s just a question of finding them! By simply making your way over to a place like this, and spending your time either reading a book, stretching, listening to music, or even just clearing your mind and listening to the world around you, you’ll find that you’ll come away from it feeling lighter, and happier! It is true what they say, if you can teach yourself to enjoy the simple things in life a bit more like this, your quality of life is surely to increase quite a bit. 

National Parks

Moving up on the scale of adventure, we have national parks! These can be anything from a large patch of forest to miles of canyons, and you’ll most likely be surprised to find that you’re probably not too far from one! Though this will most like require a day set aside to hike, the experience of exploring the nature found in one of these parks will be life changing, and you’ll come away from it feeling renewed and ready to take on whatever hurdles the upcoming week will hold.

Camping 

Better yet, traveling a bit farther to these very same National Parks where overnight stays are allowed, is something that is an experience like no other. When you find yourself out in the middle of a forest with nothing but the trees and the birds surrounding you, it is that quiet and that open air that gives one a sensation like no other. It is not just calming, but is strength renewing and just plain healthy for the mind and soul. Scream from the mountain tops if you want to, build a fire (within reason) and cook yourself a meal if you want to, climb a tree! The freedom of spending just a couple days away from the bustle and insanity of society is a feeling like no other, and one that will most definitely stick with you forever. 

Now get out there and enrich your life! Who knows, you may even spark something within you that you didn’t even know was there!