Five ways outdoors adventures can benefit your mental health
So, it’s been a tough year. With everything going on, our mental health may not have been at the forefront of our minds. Goodness knows it’s difficult to stay positive when we hear so much bad news, and 2020 was full of it. At Go Ape, we believe that taking care of ourselves mentally and physically is more important than ever before – especially for young people, who have missed out on vital learning and socialising opportunities.
Studies show that being outside and spending time in nature has a positive impact on mental health.
At Go Ape, we are all about encouraging everyone to go outdoors and live life more adventurously. We see every day that taking risks and turning “I can’t” into “I can!” not only helps build confidence, but also builds resilience that can help with the stresses of everyday life – even when there isn’t a pandemic.
Our multi-award-winning outdoor activities are a great way to support both physical and mental wellbeing, and help you to reconnect with both nature and your friends in a different and exciting environment.
Read on for five ways outdoors adventures can benefit your mental health.
Outdoor adventures…
1. Help you get active!
Studies show that regular exercise not only helps to keep you fit but also improves your ability to deal with stressors. Being active raises the endorphin levels in your body which reduce pain levels and boost happiness, resulting in a sense of well-being and achievement.
So why not try one of our exhilarating activities at Go Ape? Get your heart rate going and your mind whirling by swinging through the treetops on our Treetop Challenge courses, bounce on high in our Treetop Nets Adventure, zip through the forest on our eco-friendly Segways or, for those who prefer to keep both feet firmly on the ground, try out our interactive ground-based offerings. Save 15% on all Go Ape activities with your DofE discount.
2. Help you find your brave
We know, heights can be scary. But you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to forget about being canopy high when you have an obstacle to concentrate on and stunning forest scenery all around you. Besides, the sense of achievement and pride will be worth it in the end. And don’t worry – our site teams have had plenty of practice guiding people through the trickiest obstacles. Keep an eye on the horizon and soon you’ll be flinging yourself off our zip wire platforms and raring to go again.
3. Help you appreciate the great outdoors
Our 34 sites across the UK have many things in common – mostly, it’s that all our venues are located in beautiful places.
From the lush forests of the Lake District to the city park locations in London, you’re likely to be less than an hour away from your next Go Ape experience. So, take a breath and settle your spirits in acres of forestry (and parklands), and keep an eye out for woodland wildlife.
4. Help you enjoy time with friends and family
One of the most difficult parts of lockdown was being apart from our friends and family, stuck indoors and unable to meet up in a more exciting environment. As a Covid-19 Secure business, you can have a stress-free treetop or ground-based adventure (or mix it up and go for both!). It’s a great way of getting back together and into the swing of having fun outdoors.
5. Help you build your self-esteem
Unsurprisingly, doing things that you are good at is a great way to build your self-esteem! Testing your abilities and learning new skills is also a fantastic way to build self-confidence. Prove your skill as you tackle crossings, Tarzan Swings, and Zip wires. We know you can do it! Take the leap – you might surprise yourself.
As important as it is to think about physical health, especially right now, a lot of people overlook the importance of looking after their mental health. It’s just as important to recognise what is happening inside you, so you don’t get overwhelmed in everyday life. Remember to care of yourself!
Book your own Go Ape adventure and save 15% with your DofE discount. For group bookings, visit our Go Ape for Groups page.
