Picture this: vast sea-green water with soft ripples shimmering under sunlight. Sea lions jumping in and out of the water. And sailboats making their way across the water. You can see all this and more. When the sea calls, you go…

Unless you decide not to leave your hotel room.

And thankfully, most people would not spend their entire vacation in a room. We understand that time outdoors really does make a difference. A breath of air can refresh the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. This is often why many people tend to have dedicated deck and patio areas even in their homes, likely made with the help of reputed builders such as those found here. This way, they can come out on the deck anytime they want for some fresh air or to unwind from the stress of daily life. Apparently, this is also why many people choose hotel rooms with proper balconies and ventilation. That being said, here are three ways to benefit from the three-point refresh effect of the great outdoors.

Go for a Walk or Run

One of the best ways to take in new surroundings is to walk or run along a path. We think of this as a personal tour on-foot. Yes, it may not be as fast as a bus tour, but that’s actually a plus. Moving more slowly will help you to observe more of what is novel. Your brain will thank you for the new information! In addition, running or walking builds leg muscle quickly, and spiritual muscle too. Oftentimes we simply need to get out and move to lift our spirits. Vacation is the perfect time to do this, so find a safe trail with some landmarks or a great view and get moving!

Dance Around a Campfire

The Native Americans are well-known for campfire dances, and many people still enjoy this activity today. The idea of coming alive like flames in a fire is appealing to many. The flicker of the flames, its warmth – both of these characteristics are uplifting. The body will get a great workout from moving around the fire too. Mentally, a campfire has a soothing effect, particularly when it’s cold outside. Also, using wood like oak for a campfire could make a calming fire to gather around. You can get logs and string wood to build a fire from a local shop or online through a company like Cutting Edge Firewood or a similar dealer. While grilling s’mores and marshmallows over the fire, you all can catch up on everyone’s life and enjoys activities like dancing and singing.

Row a Boat

Not only is rowing great exercise, but it’s also an incredible way to send the spirit soaring with happiness. When you move through the waters, the brain is also benefitting from the endorphins released by physical activity. Couple this with a vacation destination like Virgin Islands and you have much to be thankful for in those moments!

As you’re rowing through life waters, always remember to keep moving forward. The outdoors ultimately reminds us to be in touch with ourselves and all that is around us – both are beautiful.