Why you should spend more time outdoors in 2025 (and come on a glamping experience!)

Maybe spending more time outside in 2025 has made it to your New Year resolutions list? It is on mine.

A great glamping stay can be a real boost in achieving that outdoor time. Whether you are sitting on our deck with your morning coffee, taking a stroll into town for lunch or setting off on a more strenuous hike, staying with us actively encourages time outside. When you get back from your days' excursions you can sit and cook around the campfire before soaking away any last bits of stress in the hot tub- all the while surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of nature. Plus our off-grid, Wi-Fi-free set up really helps with disconnecting from the pace of day-to-day life, making it easier to reconnect with your travelling companion and the nature surrounding you.

Read on to find out just why spending time in nature is so good for you.

In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, it’s easy to forget the healing power of the great outdoors. With work, social media, and endless responsibilities demanding our attention, it’s no wonder that many of us spend more time inside than we’d like. But there’s a growing body of research and lived experiences that remind us of the many benefits of spending time in nature.

Whether it’s a hike through the woods, a walk on the beach, or simply sitting in a park, nature has a unique way of rejuvenating our minds, bodies, and spirits.

Here’s why spending time in nature is so good for you.

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

One of the most well-documented benefits of spending time outdoors is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that spending time in nature—especially in green spaces like forests or parks—can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Nature provides a natural antidote to the overstimulation of modern life. Nature's sights, sounds, and smells have a calming effect on the brain, helping reset your emotional state and promote a sense of tranquillity.

A study by the University of Michigan found that people who spent just 30 minutes in a natural environment experienced reduced levels of anxiety and stress, as well as improved mood and cognitive function. This is why "forest bathing" (or Shinrin-yoku) has become a popular practice in Japan, where individuals immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest to promote relaxation and mental well-being. With plenty of wooded spaces not far away, it’s a great thing to try during your stay with us.

2. Boosts Mental Clarity and Focus

We live in an age of constant distractions, with the buzz of notifications and the never-ending flow of information pulling our attention in a thousand different directions. But research suggests that spending time in nature can restore our ability to focus. Nature helps to reset our mental energy and improve cognitive functioning.

According to a study published in Psychological Science, participants who took a walk through a park or nature reserve showed greater improvements in focus and problem-solving abilities than those who walked in urban environments. Nature allows the mind to recharge, making it easier to concentrate and think clearly when you return to your daily tasks.

3. Improves Physical Health

Beyond mental and emotional benefits, nature and being outside, also has significant physical health benefits. Regular exposure to natural environments has been linked to lower blood pressure, improved immune function, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

One of the key factors is physical activity. Being outdoors often encourages us to engage in physical exercise—whether it’s walking, hiking, biking, or even just stretching in a park. Physical activity in nature is particularly beneficial because it often feels less like a workout and more like an enjoyable experience. Plus, the fresh air, sunshine, and natural surroundings can make exercise feel more rejuvenating than the gym. Wy not bring a yoga mat when you visit and practice some Sun- Salutations as the sun comes up?

4. Enhances Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills

Spending time outdoors can spark creativity and improve problem-solving skills. Nature provides a break from the artificial, cluttered environments of our daily lives, giving the brain a chance to rest and recalibrate. This mental rest, often referred to as "restorative attention," allows for a greater capacity to think creatively.

A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that participants who spent time in natural environments performed 50% better on creative problem-solving tasks compared to those who spent time in urban settings. This is why many people find that their best ideas come when they’re outside—whether they’re hiking, walking along the beach, or simply gazing out at the horizon.

5. Promotes Connection to the World Around You

In a time when many of us feel disconnected from the world around us, nature has the power to ground us and reconnect us to something larger than ourselves. Whether it’s the vastness of the Shropshire Hills, the quiet hum of a forest, or the gentle ripple of a local river, nature invites us to be present and attuned to the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

This sense of connection to nature has been linked to greater feelings of happiness, life satisfaction, and a sense of belonging. Nature reminds us that we are part of a larger, interconnected system, which can be humbling and awe-inspiring.

6. Improves Sleep Quality

Spending time in nature, especially during daylight hours, can also improve sleep quality. Natural light helps to regulate our circadian rhythms, which are responsible for our sleep-wake cycle. Exposure to natural sunlight during the day, especially in the morning, helps to reinforce this cycle and promotes better sleep at night.

Studies have shown that people who spend more time outdoors tend to fall asleep faster and experience deeper, more restful sleep compared to those who spend more time indoors. Being active outdoors during the day also helps to tire the body in a healthy way, making it easier to rest at night.

7. Encourages Mindfulness and Presence

Nature has a way of pulling us into the present moment. When you’re surrounded by trees, rivers, mountains, or wildlife, it’s hard not to feel a sense of mindfulness and presence. The natural world demands our attention in a way that the busy, technological world often doesn’t.

Mindfulness, the practice of being fully present and engaged in the moment, is easier to cultivate in nature. Whether you’re listening to the wind rustling through leaves, watching the sunset over a lake, or simply taking a deep breath of fresh air, nature encourages us to slow down and be present.

8. Fosters Social Connections

Spending time outdoors can also help foster social connections. Whether you're hiking with a friend, going on a camping trip with family, or participating in outdoor group activities, nature provides opportunities for meaningful social interactions.

In fact, studies have shown that people who engage in outdoor activities together report higher levels of trust, cooperation, and positive social interactions compared to those who engage in indoor activities. Nature provides a neutral space for people to bond, share experiences, and create memories.

Conclusion: Nature as a Path to Well-Being

Incorporating more time in nature into your routine doesn’t require drastic changes or expensive trips, although a stay with us can give you a much-needed push in the right direction. A walk in the park, a weekend hike, or simply sitting outside in your garden can offer incredible benefits for your physical, mental, and emotional health.

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or disconnected, step outside and let the natural world work its magic on you. Whether you're looking to reduce stress, boost creativity, or simply recharge, nature is always there. Make the most of it this coming year.