LOTS OF US MEN, IN THIS age of enlightenment, are getting pretty good at taking care of ourselves. In growing numbers we’re eating healthy and enjoying plenty of exercise. Heck, some of us are even having regular check-ups from our doctors!
However, while this is all well and good, too many suburban men are skipping out on something essential to their vigour – and that’s spending time in the great outdoors.
Yes, I know. There are plenty of us who love to get out into nature – hiking and fishing, hunting and camping. But men tend to see these activities as ‘hobbies’ to be enjoyed by some, and not by others. In other words, you can take it or leave it …
Now, I’m not advocating that all men need to become hunters or hikers – but I do reckon we need to grab every opportunity to get into the wild.
Why? Well, a growing number of scientific studies are showing that the more time we spend in our natural habitat, the healthier our minds and bodies become. Time in the outdoors is increasingly being linked with everything from boosting our testosterone to fighting cancer.
Listen to the famous naturalist, John Muir: “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul. Keep close to nature’s heart … break clear away once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”
I don’t know about you, but that sounds like my kind of wash!
