There is a reason taking a big, deep breath of fresh air makes you feel as good as it does. When oxygen fills your lungs, and the warm welcome of sunlight hits your face, you will instantly feel your body relax. Nature has long been considered one of our best healers, and for good reason. Whether you enjoy spending time in nature, your weekend running your local forest trails in your comfiest pair of trail running shoes, or simply enjoying an after-dinner walk around your neighborhood with your family, increasing your time outside will instantly allow you to reap the many physical, mental, and emotional benefits Mother Nature provides.
Reduces Stress, Anxiety & Depression
Have you ever been advised to ‘walk it off’ or ‘get some fresh air’? If so, you’re already familiar with the immediate relaxation that comes from stepping outside. It’s not just a saying-spending time outdoors is a powerful tool for relaxation, rejuvenation, and resetting when your mental or emotional health is draining.
Numerous studies have consistently shown the benefits of spending time in nature, including a number of mental health benefits. A 2019 study showed that exercising or simply spending time outdoors can dramatically lower stress hormones and anxiety levels, and reduce common depression symptoms.
Supports Longevity
Getting outside may add more years to your life. A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives concluded that increased exposure to natural green spaces was linked to a 12% lower mortality rate.
This information was published alongside numerous other studies that examined the link between nature and the reduced risk of chronic health issues like heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.
If you study the various Blue Zones around the world, which are five areas worldwide in which the populations have a much longer lifespan, you will instantly be able to see that these groups of people spend significantly more time outdoors.
Boosts Heart Health
One of the biggest ways spending time outside improves heart health and your cardiovascular system is through exercise. Outdoors encourages and facilitates physical activity, primarily aerobic movement, which plays a significant role in improving your overall well-being.
According to the American Heart Association, regular exercise can lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, improve circulation, and strengthen the heart. In addition, spending time outside has been found to reduce cortisol and blood pressure levels while lowering the heart rate.
Improves Memory & Cognition
Multiple studies have revealed that spending time outdoors can boost your memory and enhance your cognition skills. A study conducted by the University of Michigan found that short-term memory and the attention spans of people involved in their research improved by a surprising 20% after just one hour of being outside.
Furthermore, a separate study that observed the behavior of children with ADHD revealed that concentration levels improved after 20 minutes spent in a park. The different sounds of nature, including chirping crickets, birdsong, or cascading waterfalls, can support improved cognitive function.
Improves Sleep
If you struggle to get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep at night or struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep, it is time to get out more during the day. Results derived from a study published in Preventive Medicine concluded that spending more time in nature was linked with better quality sleep. Additionally, a steadily growing number of studies have shown that increased exposure to natural light plays a crucial role in regulating and maintaining a consistent circadian rhythm.
In our current technological era, people are spending more and more time in front of computers, televisions, and cell phones, increasing their sedentary and indoor time. Going outside is a fantastic way to break your daily routine for a much-needed change of pace and environment. It allows your body to destress from a busy day of work, helping you ease into a more relaxed nightly routine.
Supports Creativity & Concentration
Multiple studies have shown that spending time in nature can increase one’s creativity and thinking skills. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology revealed that participants who spent more time in nature were more creative and better problem solvers than those who spent the same time in urban environments.
If you need more motivation to step outside when working to meet a deadline or hope for more effective ways to work, the Journal of Environmental Science and Technology provides an additional study in which people who walked around a park for just 90 minutes had noticeably increased brain activity in the lobes most associated with attention and positive effect.
Helps You Live in the Moment
When the ongoing to-do list you have to complete seemingly grows every day, chances are you are going to spend less time outside, simply enjoying the warm sunshine sweeping over you. You likely spend more time worrying about the stressors of tomorrow than you forget to live in the here and now.
While in nature, you can easily practice mindfulness, focusing on what is happening around you in real-time. Revel in the natural beauty of the great outdoors to bring joy and inspiration back into your life.
The next time you finish a Zoom meeting that makes you want to quit your job and move to a secluded cabin, leave your phone and step outside. Whether you have a sprawling backyard, a small balcony, or simply the opportunity to step out onto the sidewalk in front of your office building, look around and take note of what you see, from the interesting and flashy colors to the sounds and smells of a world existing around you.
