CHOOSE YOUR adventure

IF YOU NEED A BREAK FROM ROUTINE, IT’S TIME TO EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS WITH SOME FUN NEW ACTIVITIES

Getting in the great outdoors throughout the year can help to keep us healthy, happy and motivated. Nature offers everything from a mindful pursuit to a core workout, and it’s the perfect option if you’re not a fan of being stuck inside at the gym. Studies from Austria’s University of Innsbruck have also shown that the same activity can feel easier outside than in.

From joining a hiking group to rock climbing or kayaking, learning new outdoor skills is a great way to build confidence, not to mention have fun. It’s great for us to try new things at any stage in life – perhaps once the kids have left the nest and you have more time to yourself – and you can discover new skills, meet people, and test yourself physically and mentally. You’ll be making memories while producing plenty of feel-good endorphins, and it’s also a chance to expand your mind.

As adults, a lot of our days are the same and we can get stuck in the same old routine. Many of us get so busy with our jobs and families that hobbies simply fall by the wayside, but there’s no better time than now to try something new. Plus, trying new things is an excellent way to exercise the brain as doing something different means we’re learning new ideas, concepts and skills. Brain exercise is important as we get older because the brain is like a muscle and if it isn’t used, it gets weak.

Whether it’s a new sport or hobby, the act of making a change keeps us involved in the here and now. New situations keep us engaged and give us opportunities to interact with different people. They also make our lives more interesting and create feelings of satisfaction and excitement, giving us something positive to look forward to on a regular basis.

We’ve rounded up the best outdoor activities out there – so if you don’t enjoy the first one you try, you can always give another one a go until you find one that floats your boat.