The Unexpected Trio of Adventure

Finding Peace, Joy, and Love through Outdoor Adventure

You might think of outdoor adventure as purely something that is thrilling, challenging, or perhaps simply a fancy way of getting a good quad burn. And while these things can be an aspect of spending time in nature, at New Forest Activities, we like to think that there are some deeper experiences also at play- a thought that is backed up by science. Research shows that there is a certain sense of peace, joy and love that comes with trading bustling city streets for forest trails and coastal paths.

Peace: Finding Quiet in the Wilderness

Constant notifications and traffic have become the norm, it’s no secret that modern life has become pretty non-stop. But the peaceful environments that nature provides us with creates a soundscape devoid of artificial clatter: where the rusting of leaves or the gentle lull of ocean waves becomes a soothing background track. Research by Bratman et al. (2015) in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that nature walks decrease “rumination,” the repetitive negative thought patterns linked to anxiety. Activities in nature give your brain time to stop buzzing, something that modern life often doesn’t allow for.

Joy: The Simple Delights that Come with Living

Joy in the great outdoors often comes as spontaneous surges of delight. It takes the form of the little giggle when you skim a stone, or the awe of watching a sunset unfold in front of you. Nature has no expectations and offers no judgement, which allows you to experience unfiltered happiness. A 2019 study by White et al. involving nearly 20,000 people found that spending just 120 minutes a week in nature has a significant boost to self-reported health, and psychological wellbeing.

Love: Connection to Others.

Outdoor adventures foster a deep sense of connection: a universal form of love. Whether you’re deepening your connection with friends, family, or yourself, the freedom of outdoor experiences is one of the best ways to achieve it. Interestingly, recent research has suggested that experiencing moments of awe in nature can make people more generous and selfless. There’s something about feeling small in a vast landscape that makes us feel way more connected to ourselves, and this around us.

The true prize of an outdoor adventure is what you carry back after your boots have been cleaned. The sense of calm, belonging and delight are markers of a successful trip that nature is always willing to provide.

So as the Spring weather arrives and brings with it warmer temperatures and longer days, consider all the benefits an outdoor adventure could bring you. Whether you’re looking for a gentle river cruise, or an action-packed afternoon of BattleZone, we can help you find peace, joy and love in the outdoors.

Click here to find out what outdoor activity is right for you.