The benefits of outdoor activities for career women
Spending time outdoors is most definitely one of the best ways to improve your health and happiness levels.
Everything from short walks to long hikes count, and being outside can help you feel so refreshed and full of energy.
Many career women like ourselves tend to juggle busy schedules and demanding jobs, and we often neglect time for oursselves. But making the time for some outdoor activities can improve both our physical and mental wellbeing, helping us stay productive and focused at work. Read on to find out more.
How hiking can improve your wellbeing and career
Hiking gives you the chance to enjoy the outdoors while also getting exercise at the same time. Unlike most kinds of gym workouts, it engages your whole body in a natural environment which improves endurance, balance and cardiovascular health. Uneven terrain strengthens and stabilises muscles that don’t get much use in everyday life, which can reduce the risk of injury over time.
Spending time in nature can also reduce stress, which is crucial for professional women as we often manage high workloads. Studies show that time outdoors can lower cortisol levels, helping you feel calmer and more focused and the repetitive motion of walking allows your brain to process thoughts, making it a great time for problem solving or brainstorming new ideas.
How hiking can improve your wellbeing and career
Preparation is key when it comes to spending time outdoors to make sure you stay happy, safe and comfortable. For a start, choosing the right trail for your fitness level and your time limits will make the experience more enjoyable- and apps like AllTrails or local hiking groups can help you discover routes that match up with your schedule and ability.
Footwear is critica too, investing in well fitted hiking shoes can prevent blisters and injuries as well. If you’re tackling rougher terrain then lightweight trekking poles can help reduce strain on your knees (particularly on the downhill sections which can sometimes feel tougher than going up!) After a long hike, especially in wet conditions, using products like alpine boot dryers for home can help keep your shoes dry and ready for the next adventure.
For those balancing outdoor activities with a busy work life, keeping a small backpack packed with essentials like a compact first aid kit, a power bank and a lightweight rain jacket can make spontaneous outdoor trips easier.
Checking the weather before heading out is one thing but understanding local conditions is just as important. Some trails become slippery after rain, while others might be exposed to strong winds. If you’re hiking in remote areas then offline maps are going to be needed in case of signal loss.
How to make outdoor time a part of your routine
One of the easiest ways for us as career women to incorporate more outdoor time is by pairing it with another activity. Walking meetings for example can be a great way to brainstorm ideas while getting fresh air. If you work remotely then stepping outside for a quick break between tasks can prevent mental fatigue and increase overall focus.
A morning walk before work watching the sun coming up or an evening hike to unwind can help you to create a natural transition between work and your personal time. Then on weekends you could go with a longer hike like a visit to a national park that can help you to reset after a demanding week.
If you tend to thrive on structure then scheduling outdoor time just like you would a meeting can make sure that it becomes a consistent habit. Setting a goal, like completing a certain number of hikes per month or exploring a new trail each season can help to keep your motivation high.
The lasting benefits of outdoor activities for career women
Making time for outdoor activities has long term benefits for both your body and your career. Regular outdoor exercise helps prevent burnout, improves sleep quality and boosts your overall energy levels as well. So no matter how busy life gets, prioritise your outdoor activities as it can lead to better work life balance and improved mental clarity too.
