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The average child today spends about 12 minutes a day playing outside and over 7 hours a day in front of a screen. Digital distractions are taking a toll on their health and well-being. Spending time outdoors isn’t just enjoyable — it’s necessary. From 2019 washington post, those who got in two to three hours in nature were about 20 percent more likely to report high overall satisfaction with their lives than those who spent no time outdoors at all. The benefits to physical health were even greater, with those who met the outdoors benchmark being 60 percent more likely to report being in good health than their cooped-in counterparts. Research published in Nature magazine shows just 120 MINUTES A WEEK spent walking forest trails or taking lakeside stroll greatly enhance a person’s overall sense of well-being. Children, especially, do better physically and emotionally when they are in green spaces, benefiting from the positive feelings, and attention restoration. Richard Louv has coined the term “Nature-deficit disorder” for nature deprivation that children experience. It is not a medical diagnosis, but a useful metaphor to describe the human costs of alienation from nature. Many children simply don’t know what they’re missing. It’s never too early or too late to teach them to appreciate and connect with the outdoors. A lot of studies have also focussed on how exposure to nature can relieve the symptoms of attention-deficit disorders, especially ADHD. Priya is an 11 year old diagnosed with ADHD. Let us look at how time outdoors directly helped her control her reactions and curb her disorder. Reduced Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Priya tends to have difficulty sitting still and often acts on impulses without thinking. Spending time in a natural environment, such as a quiet park provides a calm atmosphere that reduces the restlessness. The natural surroundings engage her in focused activities like observing birds, walking, or exploring. Improved Attention and Concentration: Priya often struggles to pay attention for extended periods. Nature has a vast variety of stimuli. Different colors, shapes, and sounds in the environment captures her attention. Her parents observed and realized that the sensory experiences captivates Priya’s attention without her feeling overwhelmed. Enhanced Executive Functioning: Priya usually has difficulty in organized, and managed tasks. Nature provides an unstructured setting. She engages in activities that kids of her age love. She likes building mud forts, arranging pebbles, & collecting leaves. These activities help develop her executive functioning skills in a fun and spontaneous way. Stress Reduction and Emotional Regulation: Children affected by ADHD, like Priya, experience higher stress and extreme emotions. Being in nature has a calming effect on the nervous system, which helps Priya feel more relaxed and emotionally balanced. Dipping her feet in stream, for instance, reduces her anxiety and improves her mood. Increased Physical Activity: Regular physical activity is beneficial for managing ADHD symptoms for Priya. Hiking, biking, or playing outdoor games are some of the activities that support Priya’s physical health and also release endorphins for a positive mood. Boosted Self-Esteem and Confidence: Accomplishing tasks like climbing a small hill, building a campfire helped Priya with self-esteem. The quality of the nature experience depends on how direct the experience is. Are kids getting their hands wet and their feet muddy?. Participating and completing these tasks makes Priya feel capable and independant. It suppresses any negative feelings that occur because of her ADHD-related challenges. Connection with Routine and Structure: Establishing a routine to spend time in nature, like taking a nature walk, or climbing a small hill nearby provides Priya with a sense of structure. This routine anchors her day, making transitions between activities a lot smoother. Incorporating regular outdoor experiences into Priya’s routine played a significant role in managing her ADHD symptoms while promoting her overall mental well-being. Finding the right balance of outdoor activities that resonated with Priya’s interests and needs helped overcome ADHD challenges for her. While many children with ADHD benefit from treatment like meditation, therapy, drug intervention. Nature therapy is one notable exception and a universally used treatment that’s proven to help. (Lancet, published May, 2019) Although there are evidences that kids with ADHD benefit from playing outside, it's important to remember that each individual is unique. Even in ADHD they can be on any part of the spectrum. Study: Children With Attention Deficits Concentrate Better After Walk in the Park - Andrea Faber Taylor, Frances E. Kuo, 2009 (sagepub.com) Study: Walking and Being Outdoors in Nature Increase Positive Affect and Energy | Ecopsychology (liebertpub.com) Study: Researchers discovered that regular outdoor play in green space matters - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1758-0854.2011.01052.x

For all the good technology does, it brings along adverse effects, especially on the mental and physical well-being of youngsters High school and teen kids find themselves spending increasingly more time on screens and social media platforms. Anxiety and stress levels have been on the rise. Constant comparisons between peers on social media, fear of missing out (FOMO), and cyberbullying fuel rise in anxiety and stress levels. However, there is a powerful remedy that can help combat these challenges and is readily available for everyone's i.e. spending time outdoors. The Adverse Impact of Social Media High school and teen kids are part of a generation that grew up surrounded by social media. While these platforms connect individuals globally, they often come at a cost. Virtual worlds are an environment where young minds are subjected to continuous scrutiny. Many complain of feeling inadequate vis-a-vis their peers and a general lack of self-confidence. Cyberbullying is not limited by geography or gender - anyone can assume an identity and harass others. Teens are particularly vulnerable. Media platforms are full of perfectly sculpted influencers promoting dangerous practices and products. Teenagers constantly face body image issues, and the pressure to maintain an unrealistic online persona. This contributes further to heighten their stress and anxiety. It is widely known that good sleep helps clear your mind and gets you ready to take on the day. But the addictive nature of screens and social media can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation. The constant exposure to screens can also cause eye strain. When you are scrolling, the only body parts involved are your hands, eyes and brain. This is not enough mobility for a teenager's body. It is common to find them sitting in front of screens for hours. The more sedentary your teen is the more their physical well-being is affected. The Mental and Physical Benefits of Going Outdoors Spending time in nature offers unending mental and physical health benefits. Adventure activities, however small, counteract the adverse effects of excessive screen time. Here are some of the advantages: Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Nature has a calming effect on the mind. Being surrounded by greenery, and sounds of nature - birds, the wind, the rustling trees - can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone). It is a great way to feel refreshed. Increase Physical Activity: Besides diet and rest, physical movement is the third end of the health triangle. When you walk or hike in the mountains, you are right away reducing the risk of obesity. Physical activity keeps health issues associated with sedentary behaviour from affecting your wellbeing. Boost Mood: You rarely hear stories of how someone had a really bad time outdoors (unless they get sick or injured). Almost everyone comes back saying what a grand outing they had. Exposure to sunlight or the natural elements triggers the release of serotonin. This is a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood. If we feel happy and content in the mountains, you can give serotonin the credit. Cultivate Mindfulness: Nature invites everyone to be present in the moment. Teenagers could do very well with a dose of disconnecting from the constant demands of the virtual world. Roaming among the tall trees, the lush grass or dunes of sand are purposeful ways to have a conversation with yourself. Fun Connections: Adults and teenagers alike are looking to make new social connections. And the outdoors provide the best facilitation for this activity. Everyone is enjoying, sharing and conversing without looking at their phones. It is a time to bond with peers, create lasting memories, and strengthen social skills. Enhance Creativity: Outdoor activities are immersive. Your senses are completely taken over by the feeling of awe. And since it is not your usual environment, you are attracted to things around out of curiosity. This frame of mind is a big creativity booster.. When you don’t have to do 17 things at a time, your cognition fires your creativity multifold. Writers, academics and thinkers are known to take long walks in the countryside exactly for this reason. Being Outdoors Can Combat Screen-Related Issues The outdoor experience offers a stark contrast to the virtual world, allowing teens to break free from the pressures of social media. By spending time outdoors, children and young adults can: Emotional Well-being: Connecting with nature, with the community and friends enables children to process their emotions better as there is time for sharing and seeking insights. Accepting that there are different ways to grow can lead to improved emotional well-being and resilience. Perspective: Stepping away from social media allows kids to gain a broader perspective of life, appreciating the beauty of nature and the simplicity of the world around them. In its minimal way, nature shows the magnificence of creation, which is inspiring for young minds. Self-Confidence: So you hiked up that hill with the rest of the pack? Accomplishing outdoor challenges helps build self-esteem and self-confidence, making young ones feel capable and empowered. Finding Balance: Engaging in outdoor activities helps establish a healthier balance between screen time and real-life experiences, reducing dependency on technology. Spending time in mountains, in the rivers or in forests creates memories of wonderful times with friends and family. It is these memories that they recall most when they seek a source outside the virtual world to recreate happy times. High school children and teenage kids today face an onslaught of digital media that they had no part in creating. Their mental and physical health is impacted by the stress and demands social media puts on young lives. Getting them outdoors is an opportunity to counter these pressures and make a quick win. Looking away from screens and immersing themselves in nature can let teens form lasting and meaningful connections with peers.This exposure to nature is vital for high school teens in their growth as a well adjusted adult. Lead by an outdoor loving community, MyTrailPals is an invitation for everyone, regardless of ability or experience, to spend time in nature. _________________________________________________________________________ The Active Circle and MyTrailPals have joined hands to create an active connected community for high schoolers. Both organisations have similar missions to create a movement to help live physically and mentally healthy lives. This is an opportunity to connect with peers in a meaningful way while spending time outdoors. MyTrailPals encourages you to take the first step and join us in exploring natural areas around us. Let us show our future citizens that it is worth preserving to ensure a brighter and happier future. For a more in depth study and finding read this: How Nature Supports Teen Mental Health | Newport Academy

If there is anything missing in our lives, it is the feeling of awe. We face a scarcity of moments that ignite our sense of wonder. There is little room left for the profound experiences that deepen our appreciation for the world around us. Perhaps lack of awareness is why we neglect nature immersive experiences. For a Fulfilling Life Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. ~ Khalil Gibran A study conducted by the University of California, Berkeley found that exposure to natural environments led to enhanced well-being and a greater sense of life satisfaction. As we immerse ourselves in the grandeur of natural wonders, we witness the profound benefits that ignite vitality within us, while our mental well-being blossoms amidst the serenity of lush landscapes. A life well lived finds the peace it seeks in natural experiences. For Better Sleep Findings published in the recent issue of Preventive Medicine show that increasing the amount of time you spend outdoors can improve sleep quality, particularly for men and people over the age of 65. Exposure to daylight resets our ricardian rhythm and promotes deep sleep. Think about it this way - if you are relaxed, there is no inflammation in your body and your immune system is ticking along nicely - you will sleep better. The physiological benefits of time outdoors that improve our cardiovascular health will let us sleep easier. For Deeper Connection In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer. ~ Albert Camus Nature provides a vital antidote to the social isolation and disconnection that plagues our screen driven lives. Researchers at Stanford University discovered that awe-inspiring moments foster a sense of deep connection and promote prosocial behaviour. Nature teaches us that we need strong bonds with others to thrive. We need increased empathy, and a greater willingness to cooperate and collaborate to be better individuals. It is the most extraordinary gift bestowed upon us by nature. We strengthen our social fabric, and rediscover the profound interconnectedness of all living things when we are open to learning from the natural world. Concept of Time Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. ~ Lao Tzu With so many benefits linked to nature, we naturally wonder - How much time outside is enough? Researchers found that people who had spent at least two hours or more outside reported significantly greater health and mental well-being. That pattern was true across subgroups including older adults and people with chronic health problems. Now that you have the answer, don’t just hurry to log the 2 hours you need. Remember that nature’s concept of time isn’t the same as yours. Nature’s clock is more expansive - It looks at growth as the continuum. Seed to a tree, streams to rivers, rocks to sand. In nature, time is inclusive - Each season is empowered to play by nature's rules and to achieve its goals. Summers bring withering and decay, rains bring rebirth and germination, and winters are for growth and sustaining in harsh conditions. And time in nature is cyclical - If you don’t get a chance now there will always be another when the clock hands returns to the same position. Eclipses, population cycles, ebbing and surge of the waves in the sea all have their turn before they fade away. The key takeaway is building patience with your life, with others and with your goals. There is no hurry to get to the other end. In a world where awe has become scarce, nature serves as a limitless reservoir, offering us the transformative power to restore and replenish our sense of wonder. If a mountain of neuroscientific evidence tells us that regular nature exposure optimizes brain function, we should listen. Let us heed nature's gentle call, venture into its majestic realms, and embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and the boundless joy of human connection. With MyTrailPals, we are creating opportunities to facilitate these deep experiences. Suggested reading Nurtured by nature Why Being in Nature Makes You Smarter, According to Neuroscientists The Science of Awe- what happens when nature blows your mind Nature is proving to be awesome medicine for PTSD

So fellow outdoor enthusiasts, are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? Well, get your backpacks ready, it's time to liberate & celebrate Independence Day in the most epic way possible, surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your packs, and get ready to embrace the wonders of nature on the long weekend this 4th of July! It's the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the great outdoors and create lasting memories. America’s National Parks are home to many beloved monuments, historic sites, hallowed grounds, and iconic landscapes. Find Independence Day events at national parks across the country and celebrate Independence Day with friends and family while enjoying the great outdoors. But remember you don't want to be the one 👇! Post Credit WaDNR Instagram Heed the Call of the Wilderness There's something magical about spending time in nature. It's a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, and reconnect with the earth. Stepping into the wilderness allows you to breathe in the crisp, fresh air, listen to the symphony of birdsong, and soak in the vibrant colours that paint the landscapes. A tip from the National Park Service. 😁 Post credit: NPS Instagram Beyond the obvious fun and adventure, there are incredible benefits to spending time in nature. Being outdoors has a positive impact on both our physical and mental well-being. It reduces stress levels,boosts creativity, and enhances cognitive function. You will have a fantastic time exploring the national parks with family and friends. Return home feeling rejuvenated and inspired! Advice when you are busy exploring and having a good time. 😮 Post credit: NPS Instagram To help you, here are some highlights of the four famous national parks in the US. Hike, walk, bike, camp, backpack with your family or friends to dive deep into your adventurous spirit and create lifelong memories. 1. Yosemite National Park, California Prepare to be mesmerised as you enter Yosemite National Park. From the iconic granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome to the mesmerising beauty of yosemite, vernal, nevada Falls. This park is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Hike through the lush valleys, and stand in awe of ancient giant sequoias. If you can witness the star-studded night sky, it’s a sight you’ll never forget. This is why you gotta be with your trail pals. 😉 Post credit: NPS Instagram 2. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona The Grand Canyon is nature's masterpiece, but also a testament to the immense power of erosion. As you gaze into the vast expanse of the canyon, it feels as if you're peering into the depths of time itself. Hike along the trails, or venture into the canyon's depths for an unforgettable backpacking experience. Remember to pack your camera, as the hues of sunset reflecting off the canyon walls create magical pictures. Hydrate = Date 💧😉 Post Credit WaDNR Instagram 3. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho This is America's first national park, where geothermal wonders and abundant wildlife converge in a symphony of natural beauty. The iconic Old Faithful geyser erupts in a spectacular display. Keep your eyes peeled for bears, wolves, and herds of bison as you explore the park's vast wilderness. Don't forget to dip your toes in the soothing thermal pools for a unique natural spa experience! And if it all becomes too much to take in..😓 Post credit: NPS Instagram 4. Acadia National Park, Maine Nestled along the rugged coastline of Maine, Acadia National Park offers a blend of serene forests, picturesque lakes, and breathtaking ocean vistas. Hike to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the Atlantic coast, and be the first person that day to witness a sunrise in the United States. You can even ride along the scenic roads. Or walk along the ocean trails to let the breeze invigorate your senses. Be present, breathe and immerse into wilderness! Post Credit WaDNR Instagram Did you know some National Parks offer free admission on these dates? If not, Now you do 😉 , so mark your calendar to not miss out these opportunities January 16: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. April 22: First day of National Park Week August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act September 23: National Public Lands Day November 11: Veterans Day Remember, beyond the thrilling escapades, spending time in nature nurtures your well-being and offers respite from the ordinary. Experience true freedom to be yourself, let your spirit soar. Join MyTrailPals to plan & coordinate outdoors events with your friends. Explore & join the outdoors events planned by other outdoor enthusiasts in your area. Inspire others to join by sharing your adventures, your wild spirit with others on MyTrailPals app, and on socials (FB / Insta / Twitter) Let the wild adventure begin! Happy Independence Day to you and yours!

The sun's warm rays danced through the vibrant canopy of the forest. You could hear birds chirp their songs through the tranquil wilderness. If you listened carefully, you could hear a stream gushing, not far away. Picture by Esther Tuttle Via Unsplash In this picturesque scene, a nervous yet determined figure stood at the trailhead. Ishani was embarking on a hike for the very first time. A week ago, a colleague had mentioned the Hudson Groove hike planned for a Saturday. Ishani had wanted to visit this groove ever since she moved into the area for work. This was her chance. She saw that the hike event was up on MyTrailPals app and she had signed up right away. After the initial excitement had subsided, Ishani felt countless questions swirling in her mind. Would she get left behind? What if she got lost or ran out of water? Oh and what about a restroom? She checked the MyTrailPals to see if anyone she knew had signed up. That’s when she noticed the event chat where other attendees had already exchanged some messages. As she read through, she realised that Hudson Groove was a popular hiking destination with well marked trails. The conversation seemed friendly, so she felt comfortable joining & asking questions. She shared her immediate concerns about getting lost, water availability and bathrooms. Sam, a veteran of many hikes, responded immediately. Once he learned that this was Ishani’s first hike, Sam shared the following insights with her in order to put Ishani’s mind at ease. He told her that this was the perfect hike for a first timer, not too hard or long. He shared with her a link to the National Park website which had details of the Hudson Groove trail. Then Sam listed the facilities available to her on the trail Restrooms every few miles Trail markings every mile and at forked routes Parking at the trailhead Sam knew that there was one question Ishani had hesitated to ask - what if there are no restrooms? In the wild, when you gotta go, you gotta go. No point in holding back and giving yourself an infection. The best way to go about it is to find a tree, rock or bush to go behind. Ask a friend to watch out and warn anyone approaching to steer clear. While squatting watch out for loose rocks or insects that can cause you harm. Inspect the area a little before you go, Sam explained. It just takes some practice to drop your inhibitions and adopt a true backcountry “so what” attitude, he added. Encouraged by the responses, Ishani was happy she had signed up. She asked Sam about things to carry and precautions. Sam mentioned a few items that she would need in a small pack for a warm day hike: Refillable water bottle Personal Medicine Snacks and a packed lunch for a scenic picnic Hat and Goggles Sunscreen Wet wipes Hand Sanitizer A charged mobile phone with a backup battery pack A whistle Sam mentioned that the day was predicted to be a hot one, but the trail in the groove was shaded. Yet he advised her to wear full sleeved tops and avoid wearing denim trousers. Suggested to carry fruits like oranges/grapes/strawberries that would be perfect trail food for a warm day. Most importantly he warned her of the need to wear hiking shoes or boots, and avoid wearing sneakers or sports shoes. Since he knew this was Ishani’s first trek, Sam also familiarised her with the hike rules so that everyone was safe and accounted for. They would meet at the trailhead parking point at 6:30 AM and once a head count was taken, proceed from there at a steady pace. Sam would identify captains to stay in the middle and at the back of the hikers group so that they could account for everyone. After a hike of about 3-3.5 hours, they would reach a groove with a beautiful lake view. Their picnic lunch would take place at this spot. People could walk around, take pictures, rest or play games if they wanted. By 2.30 pm latest they would start back and reach the parking again. The same captains would make sure everyone finished the hike safely. Sam mentioned that with MyTrailPals Event Organizer's are advised to carry a first aid kit, extremely helpful in case of unforeseen injuries on trails. Ishani was impressed with the detailed planning Sam shared. She felt no hesitation now, to join the MyTrailPals community and make new friends. If you are a beginner like Ishani, don’t ever hesitate to ask questions however stupid they seem. There’s the first time for everyone. Consider these points as a first timer Start with a small duration, easier and local outdoor activity, be it hiking, cycling or trail walking. If there is an event chat or the whatsapp group, ask questions. Don't be shy. Share your concerns so that they help others understand what situation you are coming from. If you have special needs, check with the Event Organizer about facilities you might need. Educate yourself - Don't blindly follow. You also have a responsibility towards yourself to be safe. Ask what things you can carry and particularly about availability of food and water. Some trails have small kiosks and water stations. Some trails have none. Trust the leader and don't question their motives if they ask you to go fast or slow. They are trying to keep everyone together and safe. Familiarise yourself with things like the use of hiking boots, buying backpacks, using walking poles. Introduce yourself and converse with your fellow outdoor enthusiasts. You’’ discover there is so much flora and fauna to discover in the outdoors. Read the trail information given at the trailhead for any fires, closure, or wildlife warnings. Check the weather before you go and prepare accordingly. Carrying a windcheater is always handy. Remember, every outdoor enthusiast starts somewhere. Embrace this opportunity to explore the outdoors, challenge yourself on the trails, and discover the joy of being in nature. With your trail pals you've got this!

So a friend convinced you to join her on a short trail walk, and she talked non stop about how good it feels. What is the whole deal about? You decided to join her and get the answers. Plenty of anecdotal anecdotal evidence exists for people claiming that spending time in the great outdoors is good for your health and well-being. But why is that exactly? I mean, I could feel great sitting on my bean bag with a cup of good coffee, reading. There is more than meets the eye here because feeling great is hard to describe. The more pertinent question is how does feeling good manifest itself, and what long-term benefits does it have? I could be huffing and puffing up a hill for nothing. Let’s dig in. We usually spend almost 83% of our lives indoors. Rapid urbanisation takes people away from rural, green spaces and into built-up, high-traffic cities. There are many potential benefits to going outside. We can broadly fit them into Mental, physiological and social categories. Mental Benefits One of the first outdoor activities beginners undertake is to walk on a trail or do day hikes. It involves walking, an act that comes naturally to us. On your first few hikes, it is natural for people to wonder at the trees and the pristine water bodies and perhaps observe some birds or animals. As you are following your curiosity, your feet are doing their job without your prompting. This is what we can call unfocused mindfulness. These words together seem strange but essential means a state when you don’t have to focus on what you are doing (walking) but only on what you are feeling (wonder, curiosity). Typical mindfulness advice comes with avoiding distractions, but the forests are full of them. Photo by James Wheeler, UnSplash Try and remember the last time you experienced this feeling in your urban setting. There’s good reason to say that being outdoors makes us happier. The feelings of awe, breathing in deeply, and exposure to new sounds, smells, and sights reduce the impact of mental health issues. This happens because our general mood improves, and our stress levels decrease. The effect on our well-being is positive and long-lasting. After you experience the change, you are hooked. The activity does not have to be hard or long duration. Just a 30 min walk among the trees on trails can elevate your mood. Get out, and smell the flowers. These flowers, like lavender or jasmine, give off scents that have been shown to reduce anxiety. If you feel overwhelmed, relax with a quick walk in a local park or hillside. Physiological Benefits Build Endurance When we go outdoors, we exert ourselves in some way while climbing, walking, or swimming. We get exposed to sunlight, sweat and eat the limited food or drink we have. It is exercise in another form. Most outdoor activities are unregimented – you don’t need to dance to tunes or perform a set of repetitions. The terrain defines how easy or difficult the activity is for you. What you control is how often and how long you stop to recover. This undefined way to exercise has immense benefits in building your endurance. The more you do these activities, the better you get at it. Photo by Holly Mandarich, via Unsplash Improve Immunity Exposure to sunlight is highly beneficial as it gives us Vitamin D3 and resets our circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm controls the quality of our sleep, which determines how good our immunity is. Better sleep is also known to help control weight and reduce stress. Live Longer The relationship between green spaces and the health of people living in that environment is well documented. People in rural areas where most greenery still exists are generally more active and healthier. Being surrounded by natural surroundings helps them live longer too. Social Benefits Boost Your Creativity Psychologists found that after four days in the backcountry with no modern technology or media, backpackers scored 50% higher on creativity tests. What a fantastic insight this is. In urban environments, we are constantly dealing with dramatic attention-seeking stimulation. We are alert and attentive to avoid being hit by a car, for example. Even if we wanted to be, the environment kills any creative thinking. The stimuli found in nature replenish our ability to explore. We are less distracted, and there are no shiny objects to snatch our attention. Time outdoors is a slow, gentle unfolding of things that satiate our senses. Getting out for fresh air can help your brain relax, break out of thought patterns and boost creativity. Maximise Your Memory Spending time outdoors creates beautiful memories. At the same time, it can also help boost your memory function. While walking or hiking, you are focused on what you are experiencing more than anything. The beating of your heart, the wind in the trees, or the sight of a magnificent blue sky. Memories are deeply associated with feeling and sensory inputs. And here, you have ample time to take that in, register it in your brain and store it for long-term recall. You are also subconsciously engaging your cognitive skills to keep yourself safe. Am I stepping right so that I don’t fall? Is this the correct route to the end? Have I consumed enough water? The amazing thing is that even though you have a fully engaged brain, you don’t feel tired or overwhelmed. Your brain is happy making memories and increasing its capacity to make more. Never feel alone Have you ever felt afraid to wander by yourself? Intimidated because you think you are not a good hiker? MyTrailPals is exactly the platform you need so that you never have to be intimidated or feel inadequate in the outdoors. Meeting new friends can help beat any loneliness you feel. They can immediately put you at ease by sharing their learning. In their company, you will accomplish far more than you could alone. MyTrailPals is a community of people at varying levels of outdoor expertise and individuals who work to make everyone feel included. With MyTrailPals you will never be alone in the outdoors again. How MyTrailPals Helps In a world that relentlessly demands our attention, it is in nature's embrace that we find solace and rejuvenation for our weary souls. The outdoors offers a sanctuary for our bodies to thrive, our minds to find respite, and our social connections to flourish. Perhaps the most extraordinary gift nature bestows on us is restoring and strengthening our social fabric. MyTrailPals was created for precisely this. The app facilitates meaningful connections between people and encourages friendship as we rediscover the interconnectedness of all living things. Go on, share your outdoor adventures, join outdoor events and host some. This is your chance to invite your friends to join you in a journey of outdoor exploration.