Why Spending Time in Nature is Good For You
Getting outdoors seems like a natural instinct once the sun starts shining, longer days ahead and the temperatures start to rise after the winter season. Spending time in nature offers one of the most reliable boosts to your physical and mental state of well being.
Have you ever wondered why you feel better after a stroll, a hike or hanging out in a green space? When we are exposed to the fresh air, the warmth of the sun upon us, our stress and anxiety levels just melt away. So, next time you get those overwhelmed feelings of emotion or feel like exploding, get up and get moving out in nature. Your mind and body will thank you for it. Being fully immersed in nature will help you promote a positive mood and mindset.
You may scroll down further to read the unique healthy benefits of getting out into nature in restoring your overall state. Comment below what your thought are on this topic.
“Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into the trees. the winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like the autumn leaves”. John Muir
PROMOTES MENTAL STRENGTH – Yes, spending time in nature will indeed enhance your mental health. Studies have shown just walking outside strongly improves your mood which, in turn, lowers symptoms of depression and stress levels. And a lot had to do with perspective, your outlook, on life. Being in nature allows room for flexibility, versatility, because it automatically gives you a change of scenery and pace from the busyness.
PROMOTES MEMORY and ATTENTION SPAN – Many studies have shown that being one with nature strengthens concentration levels in our life. Scientists have studies two groups of kids with ADHD and one group being out in nature and the other playing indoors. They found that children with more green space time had fewer symptoms of ADHD while both playing the same activities. And, even just walking outside increases levels of productivity and creativity too.
INCREASED VITAMIN D – It may not always be easy to absorb vitamin D from food. But apparently we get about 80-90% of our vitamin D from soaking up the rays of sunshine. Not only is good for you with bone and cell growth, it also helps to promote healthy immune functions and reduce inflammation in the process.
AGING WITH GRACE – Being outdoors daily can help elders function better in their surrounding. They may complain less with aching bones and get better sleep through the night while more mobility throughout the day say researchers. Patients with dementia and strokes were able to improve their social skills and confidence with group oriented hobbies.
AN IMMUNE BOOSTER – Women who spent at least three hours everyday outdoors saw an increase in the levels of white blood cells, which help to fight viruses and diseases, researchers in Japan had found the positive affects in this simple routine. Nature is very healing and powerful.
PROMOTES EYE HEALTH – If you are always looking at a screen, spending time in nature is the best cure in alleviating symptoms of blurred vision, red eye and headaches. People who spend at least two hours a day outside were 4x less likely to become nearsighted. Wow. If you are exposed to artificial light consistently go out into nature. Nature’s pharmacy.
INCREASED HAPPY CHEMICALS – Oh yes. while nature is able to decrease stress levels in the body, spending more time in nature shows a shift toward a positive outlook. Even just viewing a nature scenery can reduce unpleasant emotions. More exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your overall well being in reducing blood pressure, heart rate, stress hormones and muscle tension. And it even reduces mortality rates, according to scientists. Even just a simple plant placed in schools, hospitals and offices reduce the impact on stress and anxiety.
So, with all that being said, I suggest and allow you to incorporate nature into your daily lifestyle. Nourish your mind, body and soul for overall well being.
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than it seeks”. – John Muir