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Help Me Choose a Rafting Trip
From research to experience, we know that spending time in nature is good for both your mental and physical well-being and can drastically improve your health.
“For health care providers, there are two reasons to prescribe nature. The first has to do with what it may do for us. Exposure to nonthreatening natural stimuli, scientists have discovered, lowers blood pressure, reduces stress-hormone levels, promotes physical healing, bolsters immune-system function, raises self-esteem, improves mood, curtails the need for painkillers, and reduces inflammation.”
Aaron Reuben | Science’s Newest Miracle Drug Is Free
Any kind of natural remedy is always a preferred source of wellness, and when it comes to rafting, kayaking, and rock climbing, we’re adding it to the list of reasons to take some time from your daily grind – for your health.
Physical & Mental Wellbeing
The nature of the game requires certain levels of physical activity. Paddling in a raft, hiking to the greatest viewpoint on the trail, climbing up the side of a rock face, and skiing down a powdery slope, all of which require various levels of physical fitness. It only makes sense that outdoor activities naturally improve our physical health, but being outdoors also creates an inner sense of well-being. Outdoor activities allow us to find peace of mind by fostering a higher awareness of our inner senses. Simply by being away from all our normal day-to-day tasks and distractions, we find reconnection with ourselves.
There’s something unique about a rafting trip. It’s even possible that moments between all the excitement are even serene. The rhythm of the water, and synchronizing paddle strokes, both seemingly create a balance between your body and your mind.
Detox from your screen time
Unplugging from our digital devices is an immense bonus to any outdoor activity. In 2021, the average person spent about a third of their waking hours on a mobile device. Rafting tours always suggest leaving your phone in your vehicle to avoid losing it, but mainly we know that this will allow you to be fully present during the day. Whether you’re on a day trip or an overnight, any amount of time spent untethered from digital responsibilities is a bonus and a much-needed relief for your mental health. You won’t have any notifications, zoom meetings, emails, and text messages to pull you away from experiencing the present moment.
For your kids
Getting back to the basics of play in nature is a great bonus for your kids too. Working as a team, bonding with family and friends, and learning new skills all benefit big and little kids alike. As time spent inside continues to increase throughout recent years, it becomes even more important to learn about the physical and mental benefits of getting your kids outdoors. The National Wildlife Federation’s studies on the positive effects of nature on children show that an increase in outdoor activity promotes overall wellness for body, mind, and spirit:
“Outdoor play increases fitness levels and builds active, healthy bodies. Schools with environmental education programs score higher on standardized tests in math, reading, writing, and listening. Children’s stress levels fall within minutes of seeing green spaces.”
NWF Connecting Kids with Nature | Health Benefits and Tips
If you’re looking to plan your next trip, there are plenty of family-friendly options available on the Kern to suit whatever ages you might have.
Whether you’re in need of a stress-relieving vacation, time away from your day-to-day responsibilities, or connecting your kids more to the outdoors, to sum it all up, nature is medicine and we hope that you fill your prescription often.