I’m not big on new year’s resolutions, and it’s not just because I often lack the resolve to stick with them.
My aversion to them is more philosophical: Setting an arbitrary date for self-improvement, while it may work for those who have more structure in their lives, just doesn’t mesh with my approach (the cliche that comes to mind is ‘flying by the seat of your pants’). I prefer to act when inspiration strikes, and inspiration tends to be in short supply for me around this time of year.
However, I can appreciate the symbolism of rebirth and a fresh start that comes with that new calendar, so here’s a simple suggestion for those still searching for a 2011 resolution: Spend more time outdoors.
We Utahns live in a state blessed with an embarrassment of outdoor riches. Utah’s geographic diversity is practically unparalleled, ranging from red-rock desert canyons to alpine forests, lakes and peaks, and the range of outdoor activities it offers is equally diverse.
In the spring, you can ski all morning and get a round of golf in that afternoon. During summer and fall, you can fish for fat brook trout on Boulder Mountain in pristine lakes above 10,000 feet and hike the narrow slot canyons of the Escalante River more than a mile below — all in the same day.
Getting more exercise is among the most common resolutions, and there are few outdoor activities that don’t contribute to that goal. You don’t have to run a marathon or climb a mountain to get a good workout — even a rigorous ATV ride can get your blood pumping.
Those of us who live along the Wasatch Front have become all too familiar with the thick, dirty air that settles in the valleys during winter inversions. A journey up one of our numerous canyons for a good snowshoe is an excellent way to beat the haze (even a drive up to Ogden Valley can be good for your health on those red-air days).
Perhaps the biggest benefit of getting out, away from crowds and traffic, is the inevitably positive effect it has on mental and spiritual health. When I’m feeling burned out, overwhelmed or in a rut, nothing refreshes me or puts life in perspective better than a few days on the trail with a backpack, the quiet of the forest after fresh snowfall, or the wide, blue expanse of a clear desert sky.
In today’s world of smart phones, XBoxes and Google Earth, the temptation to live vicariously through the technology we have access to grows ever stronger, but there will never be a substitute for the wonders of nature. Countless studies have found that people who get out and enjoy the outdoors, whatever their particular pursuits may be, are happier, healthier, and more successful.
So, whether it be ice climbing or bird watching, find something that gets you outside and off the pavement this year. If you have kids, get them out, too. The benefits to mind, body and soul are immeasurable.
