With the school holidays coming up, it's the perfect time to try something new, get outside, and enjoy a little adventure. Earlier this year, I was up in Scotland, soaking in the views and beautiful cities, when I stumbled across geocaching. I remember having fond memories of geocaching from my girl guide days. Basically, it’s like a real-life treasure hunt, where you use GPS to find hidden containers (or "caches") that people have tucked away in some pretty awesome spots. Just outside of Edinburgh, I found my first few caches and was excited by the possibility of finding them all over the world, near and far!
Since then, geocaching has become one of my favourite ways to explore, get moving, and just take a break from the usual. So much so that here at Phase we bought geocaching to our end of term summer social. The team were racing across Hitchin, following clues and finding caches. Our competitive sides definitely made an appearance! It was a great way to spend time together, explore new places, have fun, get outside and it doesn't cost a penny!
So, if you’re looking for a fun way to recharge over the holiday and want to try something a bit different, suitable for all ages, why not join me in "caching in" on the wellbeing benefits of geocaching?
1. Staying Active
You might not even realise it, but geocaching is an awesome way to stay active. While you're hunting for caches, you'll find yourself walking, hiking, or even climbing a bit, all without feeling like you’re exercising. It’s a great way to sneak in some movement, whether you’re strolling through a park or taking on a more adventurous trail. Plus, the thrill of finding the next cache keeps you motivated to keep going!
2. A Mood Booster in Nature
There’s something about being outdoors that just makes you feel good. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress, improve your mood, and even help with anxiety. Geocaching takes you to places you may never have explored before, giving you the chance to enjoy the fresh air, soak up some sunshine, and feel a real sense of connection with the environment around you. I have found so many hidden gems by searching for caches.
3. Problem Solving
Geocaching isn’t just about finding the hidden treasure, it also challenges your brain. Many caches come with clues, puzzles, or riddles that require some creative thinking. The process of figuring out where a cache might be hidden keeps your mind sharp and gives you a sense of accomplishment when you finally find it. It’s a fun way to work your brain without it feeling like work!
4. Quality Time with Friends or Family
Whether you go solo or bring along friends and family, geocaching is an awesome way to connect with others. It gives you the chance to share an adventure, work together to find the caches, and celebrate your discoveries. It’s perfect for spending quality time with the people you care about while creating memories. You could even make it a competition just like Amanda, our office manager, and I have. And I have a bit of catching up to do…
5. A Sense of Achievement
Every time you find a cache, no matter how small or hidden, there’s a feeling of accomplishment. Geocaching gives you that satisfying “I did it!” moment that boosts your confidence and encourages you to keep going. Plus, if you’re someone who loves ticking things off a list like I am, you’ll enjoy the challenge of finding as many caches as you can!
Ready to Start Your Own Adventure?
Geocaching is a fun, simple, and rewarding way to stay active and lift your spirits. It's something I’ve been really enjoying, and a great activity to try over the school break. So, if you're ready to "cache in" on the benefits, grab your phone, download a geocaching app, and start your adventure. Who knows—you might just find your new favourite hobby!
