 Credit: Kathryn Glenn From forest bathing to a simple stroll in the park, people from all walks of life are waking up to the extraordinary mental and physical health benefits that nature provides. Expect this trend to take off in the summer of 2024.
Outdoor Trends People connect with nature in various ways. Some fill their homes with plants, others walk their dog daily or visit a local park. And still others may seek out the vastness of wild places in the mountains, desert, or beach. The pandemic brought about a passion for cultivating and caring for indoor plants, with sales skyrocketing. This rapid growth is expected to continue, with social media influencers promoting the care of plants and more people finding joy in doing so. State and national park visitation levels are booming as they become more known and accessible. In addition to visitation levels increasing year over year, much of the rise is seasonal, so expect to see big crowds at some of the parks during the summer months. How to Connect with Nature Nature is for everyone. Some may feel unsure about how to experience nature, perhaps due to a lack of experience or not feeling like they are the outdoorsy type. While this is understandable, it is important to understand that simply by going outside and appreciating nature can make one outdoorsy. There are no rules! Incorporate your interests into the outdoors. If you have a dog, make an effort to go on a walk. If you’re a reader, sit outside on the porch while you read. Yoga, photography, running, eating, and so much more can be done outside. Simply taking a moment to appreciate the sounds, smells, and sights can be enough. The good news is that just a few minutes provides a wellness boost. Nature’s Incredible Benefits A growing body of research shows that nature provides mental and physical wellness benefits and more. Some of the most notable wellness benefits include better sleep, better concentration, quicker healing, and reduced cancer risk. So many seek decreased stress levels and increased feelings of happiness. While not a complete solution, connecting with nature can help with both, in addition to many other benefits. In an age where mental and physical wellness are being taken more seriously than they have in the past, spending time outside is a powerful tool in increasing overall wellness. Best of all, it’s natural, and often free. Avoiding Crowds at Popular Locations How can you find solitude at the National Parks and other popular outdoor adventure locations? Go in the Off-Season. This is the most helpful tip! The off-season varies depending on the location. For example, winter sees the fewest visitors at Zion National Park, and winter can be a lovely time to visit! As long as you’re dressed properly and prepared for the weather, you can still experience the epic views and amazing hikes. You’ll often be the only one on the trail. Go early or late. Crowd levels tend to be highest beginning in the late morning through early afternoon. At that point, many visitors leave to get dinner. Bringing a picnic dinner and watching the sunset can be a memorable way to enjoy peaceful solitude. Be flexible. Keep your itinerary flexible. The parking lot for the hike you wanted to do might be full and you’ll have to move on. You might find one that you like even better. Avoid holidays. Holidays can be packed. Avoid visiting on holidays if possible. Weekends also tend to be more crowded than weekdays. Book in advance. Popular parks like Arches National Park require a reservation at peak times of the year that must be booked up to 3 months in advance. Similarly, desirable camping spots often fill up within minutes of their release date. For popular spots along the California coast, this might be 6 months in advance of your camping date. Get off the Beaten Path. Drive or hike farther than most people are willing to go and you will be rewarded. Crowds cluster near parking lots and even at the busiest places it doesn’t take more than 10–15 minutes of walking to find some peace and quiet. Find your own hidden gem. Some of the most beautiful and wild places aren’t national or state parks, but nearby secluded streams, meadows, forests, or other green spaces. It can be helpful to ask locals about their favorite spots. Take part in this incredible wellness trend and find your own connection with nature! Meet Our Contributor — Kathryn Glenn From countless road trips to visiting 30+ countries with kids in tow, Kathryn’s an expert in family travel. She’s also an advocate for getting outside and enjoying the physical and mental benefits of nature. Learn more about Kathryn’s adventures here.
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