As the days get warmer and longer, many of us are excited to spend more time outside. Not only is going outside a welcomed activity after a cold winter, but it is also beneficial for your overall wellbeing. Spending time outside can lower cortisol, improve your mood, and lower blood pressure, among other things.
According to totalwellness.com, spending time outside:
- Lowers cortisol
- Lowers blood pressure
- Improves mood
- Improves focus
- Reduces inflammation
- Improves memory
- Boosts energy
- Strengthens immunity
- Relieves stress
That’s a lot of benefits for just spending time outside. Plus, besides benefiting your health, being outside is just fun! There’s something about breathing in fresh air, feeling the sunshine on your skin, and unplugging from our busy lives that makes being outside a major destresser. And, unlike a lot of other activities, being outside is usually free. It’s a win-win!
Grand Rapids has no lack of outdoor activities, and there are so many beautiful places to explore. If you’re not sure where to start, come to Robinette’s! We have a 5-mile long outdoor nature trail that is perfect for walking, running, or biking. It loops through our apple orchard, providing unique scenery. The trail is open from November through August, and it’s great for the whole family, dogs included! There is no entrance fee to walk or run the trail, but there is a $3 entrance fee for bikers.
So pick a weekend this month and spend a few hours outside. You won’t regret it. And if you hike at Robinette’s, don’t forget to grab an apple cider donut after your hike—you earned it!