7 Reasons Going On an Adventure is Good for You

Lisa Franchi October 10, 2014

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They say it’s not money, fame or fortune that gives us happiness. It’s the experiences we go through. Interacting with nature does not only promote happiness and relieve stress; it also promotes your physical and mental health in significant ways.

It improves your physical health.

Recent studies suggest that our obsession with cleanliness might be a contributory factor in the rising cases of asthma, allergy, anti-inflammatory bowel disease, and many other health problems. Going to adventures, and setting your foot on the dirt, is one way to develop a strong immune system.

Experiences promote happiness.

Research shows that people who take part in a variety of experiences have higher levels of happiness than those who partake in fewer experiences. Material things – like a new car, new phone, or a big house – do promote temporary happiness. On the other hand, positive experiences provide lasting joy.

Going on adventures fosters reflectiveness.

Adventures promote pleasant memories. Adventures give us pleasant memories, which stimulate our minds to reminisce – which is a great mental practice that can boost your brain function.

It feeds your dream and strengthens your confidence.

Adventures feed learning. It opens your way to new insights. And the more you learn, the more confident you become. With every adventure there are new challenges. And with each success, you allow yourself to be challenges more. This, in turn, spurs your self-esteem.

It strengthens your resilience.

Placing yourself in situations where things don’t always go as planned — such as on an adventure trip — helps you learn to cope with the uncertainties in life. And there is no shortage of those. As a result, you become more resilient and stronger than ever before!

It sparks your desire to explore.

As we grow older, our desire to explore is reduced. Adventure travel can bring this spark back, igniting your desire to explore and learn more, and ultimately expand your mind and bring joy to your spirit.

It keeps you mentally sharp.

Any new experience can help keep you mentally sharp. But even the physical activities you do during your travel can contribute to a more powerful brain. One recent study found that physical activities like hiking, walking or biking, help to grow the hippocampus, which normally starts to shrink in the later adult years, and increases your risk of impaired memory or even dementia.

Anyone can make nature a playground. Adventure travel is a great activity you can stick with for life. So start planning on your next adventure now, and experience its great benefits.