WANT PEACE? TRY THESE 4 OUTDOOR SPORTS IN GROUPS

BY: JOHN P. SCHWAN

1) FISHING

IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH WITH

3) RUNNING

2) HIKING

4) KAYAKING

1) FISHINGLow Barrier to Entry: Fishermen of all levels of expertise can catch fish.  This is a low-barrier to entry sport.  You do not have to be incredibly skilled to fish, opening it up for all to enjoy.

Meditative: Fishing allows people, even when in groups, to observe silence and rest, while observing calming ripples in the water below and sky above.  There are usually birds of some type up above or sea creatures down below to view.

Social: This sport can be so nice for people looking to recover from the stresses of the world in good company in a setting that provides an external focus, keeping social anxiety low.

2) HIKINGLow Barrier to Entry: People who hike simply need to know how to walk.  Even if you are disabled and cannot walk, there are hiking pathways through quiet lands that provide cleared pathways for wheel chairs.

Meditative: Nothing beats walking on a hike and experiencing the overwhelming peace that comes with engulfing oneself in nature.  With fascinating creatures, rustling plants, and beautiful sights, being in nature has been scientifically proven to reduce cortisol levels in all who bask in it.

Social: Hiking a is a lovely group activity.  It gets your heart rate up with others, so you have something to focus on besides the sometimes tough trek ahead.

3) RUNNINGLow Barrier to Entry: Running has the highest

barrier to entry out of all of these sports,

because you need to be able to withstand the

impact of each step on your joints.  Besides

that, running is something human kind was

made to do and can be enjoyed by all who's

bodies handle it.

Meditative: Running is known for creating

natural happiness because of the endorphins

that your body releases while you do it.  This

release is calming, engaging, and pure fun.

Social: Running in groups is where

camaraderie is born.  Encouraging one

another to keep going and push through

keeps people positive and happy once the

endorphins release.

2) KAYAKINGLow Barrier to Entry: Being able to tread

water, sit, and move your arms in a repetitive

motion is all it takes to kayak.  If you don't

flip over, it only requires the latter two.

Meditative: Kicking your shoes off in the

kayak and resting your legs on the side of the

raft allows you to dip your toes in the water.

 This peaceful moment can be euphoric,

while you drift calmly through the undulating

water beneath you.

Social: Kayaking in groups allows you to

encourage one another to enjoy this peace

together.  Experiencing nature together

forms not only peaceful memories, but

positive ones.  These positive emotions give

you the courage to keep paddling forward

even once you grow tired.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING!

BY: JOHN P. SCHWAN