Thanks largely to the digital age the majority of the population now spend huge proportions of their time sat down at a desk. It doesn’t take much to realize that not moving your body for large periods of time is really not good for your health. Living a continuously sedentary lifestyle can lead to an increased chance of heart disease, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer. Not only that, spending the majority of your time indoors is not good for your mental health, and a total disconnect to nature and the outdoors can lead to anxiety and depression.
One way to tackle these modern lifestyle side effects is to take up an outdoor hobby that forces you to get out of the house. Playing video games might be a favorite pastime you choose to unwind and relax, but it will only be adding to the negative impacts on your health. Playing sport often falls to the wayside as you get older, so it’s great to discover an activity popular with adults to get stuck into. You’ll increase your social circle and make new friends doing a hobby you love.
Fishing and hunting has become a popular pastime for adults and is a great way to get out in the elements. Not only will you be active and on your feet for the majority of the day, but you’ll have something to focus on to take you away from everyday life. These are great benefits for both physical and mental health. Getting closer to nature can improve short term memory, reduce inflammation in the body, and relieve stress all at once.
If you’ve had no previous experience in this outdoor activity before don’t let this minor detail hold you back, there are plenty of ways to get involved and learn the ropes along the way. You’ll need to stock up on some essential tools and gear to get you started, but that’s always part of the fun. Base layers made out of Merino Wool are a great first purchase, they’re absorbent and warm and will help keep you dry throughout the day. Waterproofs, safety gear, and equipment come next, you’ll want to be warm and well equipped for spending time amongst the elements, and a blaze orange jacket will help keep you out of harm’s way.
A typical day hunting will involve a lot of ground covered on foot and although you’ll need a good level of fitness to start off with, the number of steps you take in a day will soon benefit your health. Carrying the equipment and food you need all day will also improve your strength. If you have any injuries that have prevented you from getting fit in the past, hunting is a low impact sport that can help build up resistance.
It’s never too late to invest in your health and wellbeing and start up a hobby that you’ll love. You’ll feel more fulfilled when you get into it and will never go back to a sedentary lifestyle again.
