Geocaching offers an abundance of improvements to your overall mind, body, and soul. Oftentimes we are so focused on finding the geocache, that we don’t take a step back to realize all the health benefits. Feel re-energized, inspired, and motivated to find the next geocache with these 12 recommendations.

1. Share geocaching with a stranger. Human connection brings us all closer together, and what better way to connect with others than to share your favorite hobby? If you notice someone giving you a questionable look as your search under a park bench (we’ve all been there), smile and simply explain what you’re doing. Chances are, you’ll inspire someone else to go on an adventure.
2. Give back to Mother Earth. Before heading out to find a cache, grab a trash bag and pick up litter on your route. Cleaning up along the trail is just one of the many ways we can give back to our stunning game board. Feeling like you want to take this to the next level? Attend a nearby CITO (Cache in Trash Out®) event.
3. Take on a new hobby. Have you been craving to try something new? Biking, boating, and snowshoeing are all fun and innovative ways you can get to a geocache. If that’s not your style, consider combining geocaching with photography, botany, or birdwatching to switch it up!
4. Use your brain. Mystery Caches are a great way to increase brain activity. Studies have shown that keeping the mind active with mind-flexing activities like puzzles can lead to a longer life expectancy, better quality of life, and reduce our chances of developing certain type
5. Sweat. Endorphins, weight loss, increased energy, stronger bones, and muscles are some of the many great benefits of exercising. If a grab‘n’go doesn’t make you sweat, hike to a T4/T5 geocache. Or, find a geocache that is difficult but still accessible with handicaching.
6. Pack a healthy snack. It’s so easy to grab a sugary snack bar or a can of soda before your cache outing, but healthy snacks will keep your energy lasting longer. Some healthy and tasty recommendations include carrot sticks, peanut butter and apples, and nuts.
7. Listen to music. There’s nothing better than turning up your favorite jam and looking for a geocache. According to a Harvard study, there are many benefits to listening to music including mood lifts, stress reduction, and increased mental awareness. Need some help getting started? Here are our top 10 favorite geocaching songs.
8. Bring an extra bottle of water. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Your body uses water for everything including temperature regulation and maintaining bodily functions. Because your body loses water when you increase your heart rate, it’s important to drink extra fluids while geocaching.
9. Invite a loved one with you. Spending extra time with family and loved ones is a great way to increase your happiness level. Next time you’re considering finding a geocache solo, invite someone you love to go along for the experience.  
10. Leave something extra special inside a geocache. Surprise! Bring a smile to another geocacher’s face by leaving an extra special piece of swag inside a geocache. Some fun ideas include gift cards, a cool hat, or something unique and handmade.
11. Journal afterwards. In addition to writing an epic log, jot down some notes in a journal to reflect on your experience. What did you see? Who did you encounter? How did you feel afterwards?
12. Just breathe. Choose a geocache in a quiet, peaceful location. After signing the logbook, take five minutes to sit in silence with your eyes closed and breathe. Appreciate the beautiful surroundings, the adventure you just went on, and the pure magic of being outside.

What other recommendations do you have? Share them in the comments below!