Category Archives: Outdoor activity

Camping 101: 3 Health Benefits of Camping

Those who enjoy camping know all the health benefits they receive from their retreat to the outdoors. It is a relatively inexpensive getaway that also offers visits to scenic locations such as beaches, mountains, parks and resort towns. If you are considering giving camping a try, here are three health benefits you can expect from the experience.

Photo by Chris Holder on Unsplash

Physical

Getting away from your normal routine to a campground Navarre gives your body a chance to unwind and do different daily activities for a while, whether relaxing or going on adventures. Time spent with your loved ones during the trip reduces your stress levels and gives your body a chance to relax and recuperate. Any outdoor activity you choose will get your heart rate going and increase your body’s serotonin level that will help you sleep better at night and wake up feeling refreshed in the morning.

Emotional

Camping gives you dedicated time away with people you love, which is especially important if you have a busy job that keeps you away from home a lot. During the trip, if you have children, they will spend less time on their electronic devices and more time interacting with you while you all enjoy exploring the area, hiking, biking or boating. You will be creating memories and photos that will be cherished in years to come and will perhaps come back with a funny story or two to re-tell in the future.

Mental

Going on a camping trip helps your mind unwind from your job’s typical daily demands or those of your home life. Being outside with loads of sunshine and fresh air in a scenic location may lift your spirits. Any physical outdoor activities you do will increase your body’s level of endorphins, which naturally boosts your mood.

So give camping a try if for no other reason than the physical, emotional and mental health benefits you will get from your time in the outdoors.

Participating in a Gun Competition

Competitive shooting has become increasingly popular over the past few years, and it is a great way for you to become familiar with handling your gun. Many courses are set up that offer real-life situations, teaching you how to react and perform during them. You can often find these competitions at local gun clubs and shooting ranges. If you decide to attend one, here are a few things you will need to be aware of.

Photo by Logan Weaver on Unsplash

Guns

Many people at the competition will be testing their skills with all types of firearms. There may be specific courses created for small handguns, long rifles and shotguns. Each one will present a certain set of challenges for the competitor. Your skills in how you move, reload, and shoot will all be put to the test. Scores will be tallied, including time and mistake deductions, to determine the winner.

Accessories

Certain equipment can help you during the competition that will make your score better. Having extra magazines and speedloaders will make reloading faster. Different carrying options, such as Glock 43 holsters, can make movement throughout the course easier. Upgraded sights and grips can give better accuracy and cut down on time spent in the course. Many other options can be used to help you obtain better scores.

Targets

Some courses can test not only your shooting abilities but your target accuracy as well. You might be timed to see how fast you can hit all the targets. Each target could have different point scores on them. Some will be positioned in hard angles, at awkward sightlines and in busy areas. You will need to have an awareness of where the high score ones are and the best place for where your shot should be.

Competition shooting offers a way to be competitive while enjoying the hobby of shooting. The comradery it brings and the friends you meet can be just as important as the scores you get.

What You Need for An Outdoor Event

Outdoor events can be magical, but they do come with a certain amount of risk. You never know what the weather is going to be like, so it’s a good idea to prepare for anything. Here are a few things you’ll need to help you get through your next outdoor event. 

Photo by Mitchell Orr on Unsplash

Tents

Tents are beneficial regardless of the weather. They are a great way to get some shade and avoid major sunburns, and they will also help protect your guests from the rain. You may want to have a completely enclosed tent if you anticipate rain as water can blow in the sides when the wind picks up. Although tents are a great option for some weather trouble, you’ll want to have a backup plan in place in case of severe weather, such as an alternative date or location. 

Restrooms

Many people forget that they may need to provide restrooms at an outdoor event. If your event location has an indoor area as well, check to see if guests are allowed to go inside to use the facilities. If not, you’ll need to find a way to provide your own. Event restroom trailers are a great option to bring in. 

Flooring

If your event is in the grass, you may want to bring in special flooring, especially if you plan for there to be dancing. If this is a formal event, you can expect that many women will wear high heels, which easily sink into the grass. If it’s recently rained, tables and chairs will do the same, so have a hard floor available to keep everything level. 

You may want to consider hiring an event planner to help with all of the details as planning for an outdoor party can be particularly tricky at times. Remember to expect the unexpected. Planning out different scenarios can save you a lot of trouble later on. 

Exercise the Mind and Body With a Vacation to Essex County

Massachusetts is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a comprehensive vacation experience. The Bay State’s unmatchable mix of beauty, history and excitement entices visitors from around the world. Among the commonwealth’s most popular locations is Essex County. With attractions and activities to suit any taste, the northeastern county is a haven for those in search of a happy and healthy vacation.

credits: https://windagainstcurrent.com/

Exercise

If maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle is important for your vacation, Essex County has you covered. Cape Ann features miles of beautiful coastline with ample opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding. If you prefer to stay on land, golf courses mix challenging links with picturesque settings. Hiking is popular on Choate Island, where the Crane Wildlife Refuge is home to numerous species of birds.

Lunch at Andover Town and Market

Energize

After an exciting day of activities, you’ll need to replenish lost calories at one of the region’s charming restaurants or food markets. Oceanside bistros are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two or a meal for the entire family, imagine gazing upon the Atlantic Ocean while sampling the catch of the day. When looking for places to eat in andover ma you’ll find a bounty of healthy and gourmet cuisine, including the area’s most famous fare: lobsters and fried clams.

Jonathan Corwin House / The Witch House in Salem Village

Educate

There are no shortage of ways to exercise your muscles in Essex County, but that doesn’t mean your brain won’t get a workout, too. History is on full display throughout the region, with one of the most popular attractions being the Salem Witch Museum. Maritime history comes alive at the Essex Shipbuilding Museum, which features hands-on exhibits to entice young learners. Fine art lovers also have plenty to get excited about it. The Addison Gallery of American Art in Andover has more than 20,000 works in its collection of American art dating to the 18th century.

Whether you prefer a vacation on the go or one nice and slow, Essex County should be at the top of your vacation destinations. It’s the perfect place to exercise the mind, body and soul.