Benefits of Being in Nature
Studies have shown that engaging with nature, even for just a few minutes, can have a profound and positive impact on our mental performance and everyday lives. Nature provides us with many physical health benefits including:
• Vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential to our health, but it can be difficult to get it from our food alone. Getting out into the sun provides our bodies with a better source of Vitamin D which, in turn, helps us maintain a healthy immune system and stronger bones.
• Improved Mood. Studies have shown that doing physical activity outdoors can measurably improve mood and self-esteem. Better yet, a study by the University of Essex showed that subjects doing physical activity near water had the best side effects.
• Improved Sleep. Spending too much time indoors, away from natural light, can throw off our circadian rhythm which is naturally tied to the sun’s schedule. Getting outside can help our circadian rhythm get back in sync, allowing for a better night’s sleep.
• Increased Brain Function. Being outdoors can increase concentration skills, creativity, and provide a quick wakeup. Opt for a brisk walk outside instead of that afternoon caffeine rush; get the quick high without the later crash.
• Stress Relief. Studies have shown that subjects who spent a night in the forest vs. subjects who spent the night in the city were happier, more relaxed, and less stressed.
• Decreased Risk of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) and Nearsightedness. Staring at a screen all day can put us at risk for CVS and nearsightedness. Getting outside can help combat the negative effects that screens can have on our eyes.
• Exercise. Ultimately, it’s hard to get outside without doing some sort of exercise. Even a quick walk can have positive health benefits.
The Place to Go
Perhaps you’re looking to take a sabbatical at the beach. Perhaps you’re looking for a mountain getaway. Or maybe you’re looking to find something in between. No matter what you’re looking for, the Deschutes river in Oregon has exactly what you need.
The Deschutes river runs 252 miles from its source at Little Lava Lake until it merges with the Colombia river and travels on to the ocean. Along the Deschutes, you’ll be able to see a variety of natural plant and wildlife including ponderosa pine, black sagebrush, cheat grass, juniper, and wildflowers. Amongst the wildlife you’ll see river otters, beavers, long tailed weasels, chipmunks, elk, ducks, geese, and swans.
Dotted with towns, the Deschutes offers visitors a well-rounded vacation including shopping, adventure, water activities, hiking, and more.
Activities to do on the Deschutes
There’s no better way to see the beauty that the Deschutes river has to offer than from the front row. Go whitewater rafting or camp, hike, or fish. High Desert River Outfitters offers rafting and fishing adventures on the Deschutes river. Choose from half day trips, full day trips, and multi-day trips and take in all that the Deschutes has to offer.
Get out onto the Deschutes and hit refresh.
