Outdoor Adventures: Best Spring Activities for Men

Today I want to share with you some thoughts and ideas I had about what makes the best Spring Activities for men. Want constitutes the perfect outdoor adventure for the turn of the season?

According to a study found on Benenden. Exposing your lungs to fresh air, and the scents of flowers and plants, can help to relieve stress and anxiety. Oxygen is thought to affect the levels of serotonin released in the body, in turn, contributing to feelings of happiness and relaxation.

One of the main benefits of having a dog, is getting the opportunity to get outdoors, say hi to your neighbour, maybe pick up some trash. Charlie and Chips are always up for going out on long walks and whilst I might not always be in the mood, once I'm outside my mood is quickly elevated.

Even on days when I know I achieved next to nothing, I know that at the very least I got my steps in by walking the dogs.

I don't have dogs Carl

OK so not everyone is out walking dogs. And don't worry I'm not about to list hiking, biking or kayaking like the internet wants me to so badly.  

On Top of the O2

If you're London based, I would really recommend going over the o2. I read about it on my friend's blog who is busying himself by documenting all the James Bond locations in London. You can treat yourself and your partner to a glass of champagne at the top. It's good exercise and there's fewer places where you'll get the chance to see all of East London on a clear day.

Cheltenham Festival

The Cheltenham Horse Race Festival is always a fun outdoors activity. You don't have to watch every race, but you can enjoy the hospitality tents, the camaraderie and of course the dressing up. I've written several blogs on what to wear to the horse races and you can check them out if you're needing some advice. The Cheltenham Horse Race Festival is on from the 12th - 15th March.

Track Days

I've stumbled upon an article by Top Speed, noting the psychological and practical benefits of doing a track day. From stymieing your propensity for road rage from developing a better understanding of physics, there's always more than just ragging an Aston Martin around Silverstone. Although that in itself, is a wonderful outdoor activity.

Outdoor Swimming

I found a  study on the 'Effect of winter swimming on haematological parameters' (2011)*  that  cold water swimmers gain  significant increases in white blood cell counts. The body produces more white blood cells when faced with a stressor, and  open-water swimmers find it  stimulates their release as the heart rate increases.

If you're London based check out this article on the best Wild Swimming Destinations in London.

Community Gardening

We spoke about dopamine in a previous post. The feel good factor you get for achieving the goals you set is one way of getting a dopamine hit, another way is to help others. To be part of a collective that is benefitting the community as a whole. If you enjoy being outdoors, and especially enjoy gardening, you local councils are always on the lookout for volunteers.

Tasks include building ponds, compost bins, raised beds, planting wildlife gardens, building insect hotels. Tasks can be tailored to suit your group. Check out Farm Garden online or your local constituency for details.

Summary

So that is it for today. I know I haven't included all of the so-called masculine outdoor activities like Paintballing, outdoor gyms, etc. But these ones I feel like you can figure out on your own. Or if you're completely bereft of ideas, then check out 101 outdoor things to do in London on the Visit London site here

Tips:

• Do something outdoors in a group or with your partner. Try and involve yourself more in a community that will help you broaden your network and your social horizons.

• Get a dog damnit.

• When your outside, try not to document everything on your phone. It's a much better experience when it's lived through your own eyes, rather than a tiny phone screen.

• Take an umbrella or pack a roll up mac. This is England and we always manage four seasons in one day. I bought two of these outdoor pack away rain coats last year (On sale on Amazon and they are still going strong. You'll need a man bag of course. I listed some great retro man bags on my blog last year.

• Don't forget to smile, and make your outdoor activity an adventure too.