Active Adventures: A Creative Jumpstart

The phrase “Get those creative juices flowing” is well-known. That’s exactly what active adventure accomplishes. Nature ignites and unlocks different sections of our brains, which is where creativity and inspiration may be discovered outside. You feel so much better after being outside, don’t you? The natural outdoors has a transforming quality, whether you stroll through the woods or climb a hill.

How many times have you worked out or had a breakthrough idea while taking your regular stroll? I mean, it occurs all the time? For that, there is a scientific explanation. Walking has been demonstrated by researchers to improve blood flow to the brain, which boosts creativity, productivity, and the capacity to express ideas clearly (Oppezzo & Schwartz, 2014). Entrepreneurs such as Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg have been known to hold meetings while walking, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach.

Research has also shown that those who spend more time outside had better problem-solving skills and general cognitive function, which lends credence to the idea that it’s a good idea to take regular breaks and let your brain reset in the fresh air (Atchley et al., 2012). So perhaps the next time you find yourself mired in an issue, in a cycle of procrastination, or in need of a creative boost, go outside.

Physical activity outside not only ignites creativity but also fosters learning as new places are explored throughout active travels. We genuinely think that travel offers the best education available and that the world serves as our school. As noted by the renowned Mark Twain:

“Many of our people severely need travel on these accounts, and travel is lethal to prejudice, intolerance, and narrow-mindedness. One cannot develop wide-ranging, morally upright, and altruistic perspectives about people and things by spending their entire life in a small area of the planet.

Even while we love adventurous travel, even just visiting new places and learning about their cultures and environments makes us question our preconceptions. The next time you find yourself somewhere new, make sure to experience the local cuisine, embrace customs, discover more about the history, and live a different lifestyle from what you’re used to. You’ll get new insight and be inspired to a deeper comprehension of humanity by immersing yourself in diverse cultures.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or an adventurous adventurer, there are many holistic advantages to leading an active lifestyle in nature. Just getting outside has positive effects on your body and mind. According to 10Adventures’ founder, “It will change someone’s life to get them into the backcountry for a week.” These travels are addicting—possibly the only kind of addiction that may be beneficial.” Our natural medication is nature, but we must take the right amount of it.

A happier, more balanced lifestyle is the consequence of enhanced physical and mental health, strengthened relationships, and limitless learning opportunities offered by outdoor activities. Actually, a recent study on the relationship between happiness and travel frequency that was published in the Journal of Tourism Analysis found that people who traveled more often had an astounding 7% higher level of total life satisfaction than people who traveled less (Chen et al., 2021). What then need we wait for?

It’s time to “throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails,” to use another famous statement from Mark Twain. Dream, Explore, and Discover.