Escape from Technology and Embrace the Outdoors

Escape from Technology and Embrace the Outdoors

Our lives today have been made infinitely easier by the advent of modern technology. We have smart TV’s, tablets and smartphones that can keep us entertained for hours. We can order our shopping online and have it delivered to our door. We can even buy vehicles that can drive themselves! All of these advancements in technology have undoubtedly made great improvements in our everyday lives, but at what cost? Due to the aforementioned examples of technology, we are becoming less and less active. Children do not play outside as often. Adults exercise less and rely increasingly on vehicles for transportation instead of walking. We live busy and sometimes chaotic lives and this means that exercise and the outdoors is often neglected. Why should we seek to change this and once again embrace the outdoors? Why should we seek a balance between technology and physical activity? The pointers listed below help show how exploring the outdoors and exercising can be truly beneficial.

Create cherished memories with your family

Heading off out on a family day trip into the countryside of coast gives you the chance to create special memories. Furthermore, it helps strengthen your family bonds and develop your relationships. How can you create memories if you are stuck in your bedroom on your tablet and your parents are sat watching TV for example? Putting your devices away and exploring the outdoor world prompts you to interact with each other, have fun, and create some fantastic memories that you can look back on in years to come.

Spending time together outdoors creates memories that last a lifetime (photo courtesy of cornishwave.com)

Allow your children to explore the outdoors in a controlled manner

Parents today fear increasingly for their children’s safety. In ages past, children could play outdoors unsupervised. Today that is not possible – there is more traffic on the roads and more danger. This is often one of the main reasons why children stay indoors. Exploring the outdoors can give your children the perfect chance to get outside and have some fun. You can be there with them and watch they don’t come to any harm – they can interact with nature and exercise in a controlled and safe manner.

Exercise, keep fit and tone your body

As we have a whole host of technology at our fingertips, we do often not need to venture outside to find entertainment or fun. Furthermore, as many people live busy lives, they simply do not have time to go to the gym or even take a walk. Embracing the outdoors with your family can help solve this issue. If you go wilderness camping or coasteering, for example, you will undertake physical exercise. You will burn off fat walking, you will build and tone your muscles climbing and scrambling over cliffs, you will improve your cardio chasing after your children. Venturing on a family camping trip or something as simple as taking a walk through the woods can give you vital exercise.

Improve your appreciation and understanding of our world

Our world is something that should be appreciated, cared for and revered. We should teach our children how important Mother Nature is. Whilst we can watch some truly fantastic TV documentaries, there is nothing better than actually experiencing our natural world first hand. Taking your family on an outdoor adventure will let them improve their appreciation of our world and interact with it on a personal level. As you can see, exploring the outdoors is hugely important. Activities such as wilderness camping, coasteering and surfing can truly enhance your family life and bring you a whole new level of enjoyment and fun. Next time the weather is fine, hop into the car and head out into the great outdoors!

This is a guest post by Jorrin Massingham, the owner of Cornish Wave, a Newquay surf school and adventure activity company based in Cornwall.

Born in South Africa Jorrin moved to the UK aged 9 before setting out to gain skills and experiences further afield.

Passionate about adventure travel and the outdoors, Jorrin gained wide ranging experience from around the world in travel, tourism and outdoor activities through a variety of solo travel, adventures and job roles.

Currently living in Newquay, Cornwall, when not delivering activities through Cornish Wave, Jorrin can be found planning new adventures both at home and overseas.

You can find out more by visiting the Cornish Wave facebook page, or their blog

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Comments

  • Victoria - Lylia Rose Victoria - Lylia Rose July 13, at 08:35

    A healthy balance is definitely needed. I’m online a lot and I love it, but I also make sure I walk a minimum of 10000 steps a day. One of my favourite ways to relax is a long hill walk. I make sure we go out for a family walk, even if only around the block, after dinner to get fresh air and ensure the kids don’t just sit on the sofa after school. There are so many parks near us which we make use off and it’s surprising how often they are empty! My kids would sit on the iPad all night if I let them, but I encourage everyone to get out and about as it’s so important.

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    • The Helpful Hiker The Helpful Hiker July 13, at 12:22

      You’re so right, a balance is definitely needed. I don’t restrict screen time, but I make sure we go outside everyday and I’m happy with that!

      Reply

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