It’s so easy for us to become completely disconnected from nature these days; everything seems to be about technology, and we’re inside a lot of the time, partly because of this. However, spending time outdoors has numerous benefits for our overall well-being, and whether it’s a hike along a scenic trail, a picnic in the park, or just sitting out in the backyard, being in nature will certainly have a positive impact on our physical, mental, and emotional health. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more about how spending time outdoors can improve your well-being.
Boosts Physical Health
Going outside and engaging in regular outdoor activities gives us a natural and enjoyable way to improve our physical fitness and overall health. Some of the activities you could take part in include:
- Walking
- Running
- Hiking
- Cycling
No matter what it is we do, these activities will help to improve our heart health, strengthen muscles, and increase our stamina so we can keep doing more and more. The fresh air and natural surroundings also lead to better respiratory health, as we are breathing less pollution. Of course, hayfever can be an issue, but there is medication that can help, so make sure you look into this if you do suffer from this condition.
Reduces Stress
Nature has a natural calming effect on our minds, and spending time outside can definitely reduce our stress levels. The beautiful environment we find ourselves in can help us completely disconnect from everything else that’s going on in our lives (good or bad), and that means we are able to relax more and really be in the present moment.
Research has shown that being in nature actually reduces the amount of cortisol (the stress hormone) we have in our bodies, and even symptoms of anxiety and depression can be relieved, at least temporarily, just by being in nature. A short walk can be enough to make a difference, although the longer we can spend outside, the better, as it will help us relax even more.
Improves Brain Power
It’s an amazing fact, but it’s true that being in nature can make us much more focused and can improve our brain power. Studies have shown that being outside in nature can make our attention span better and even improve our problem-solving skills. This is crucial in today’s stressful world, and the more we can focus on things and work out the issues they are causing us, the happier we will be overall.
This is why it’s a good idea to go outside when you want to take a break from work, for example. If you don’t feel as though you’re getting anywhere and you can’t seem to get past an obstacle, taking ten minutes to just enjoy nature and breathe deeply can make a big difference so you’ll be able to deal with the issue much more easily once you get back to your desk. You’ll also be able to concentrate more, helping you to be more productive.
