Why head outdoors?

“Head Outdoors was conceived to help everyone enjoy the mental and physical benefits of getting outside in the great outdoors.”

Being part of an international community is fantastic, but moving to a different country can be a challenge - Naples is not the easiest place to live, and access to the outdoors is limited in the immediate area. Add to this the isolation of moving somewhere where you possibly don’t know anyone, or very few people, and it can be hard to get settled and find your feet.

Hiking is a great way to get outside in the fresh air, take some exercise, and meet people. Italy is a beautiful, mountainous country and there are no shortage of trails to explore, in the south in the areas accessible to Naples but also further afield in Abruzzo and the Dolomites. Not only does hiking have countless physical benefits (improved cardiovascular performance, a stronger body, better endurance, soaking up that vitamin D), but it’s proven to help your mental health too:

  • Time spent outside helps to reduce negative thought patterns

  • Exercise releases feel-good chemicals in the brain

  • Spending time in nature improves problem solving and increases attention span

  • Outdoor activity reduces stress to help clear ‘brain fog’

  • Access to natural light helps to align your circadian rhythm (your body’s internal clock)

  • Natural stimuli are proven to boost creativity

 
Fan Dance
Woman and dog sit on a rock at Cirque des Evettes, Savoie France
 
 

ABOUT BECCA

Hello :) my name is Becca: I am part of the British international community and I am the hiking leader for the JFC Naples International Club. I am a mountain leader and I am training for my international qualifications as a mountain guide.

Any time spent outside is time well spent for me: after 10 years working in a fast-paced environment I understand stress, and getting outside helps me to balance the busy parts of my life. Spending time outside in nature also helped me through a crippling eating disorder in my twenties, so I understand the mental health benefits of getting outside and how it can improve our wellbeing.

When I am not in Naples I live in the French Alps. I love hiking, but also trail running, skiing and ski touring, cycling and horse riding. I practice yoga and Pilates.

 

ABOUT HEAD OUTDOORS

We are a friendly group of outdoor lovers who meet regularly to hike in the beautiful surroundings of Southern Italy. We take our time, enjoy the scenery and often finish up with a gelato and a beer.

If you are affiliated with JFC HQ NATO Naples, based in Lago Patria, please get in touch about joining us for a hike.