Our world today is filled with so much technology, noise, and just overall pressure. Add that to the fact that we are spending less and less time outside and it’s not hard to understand why our mental and physical health is getting worse. Did you know that kids today spend an average of four to seven minutes a day outside? Minutes! And adults spend an average of 87% of their time indoors. It’s no wonder our health suffers!
Without regular exposure to natural light and fresh air, you can live your life feeling lethargic, anxious, and mildly depressed. That’s no way to live! But the good news is, this is an easy problem to fix. Being outdoors heals you! Nature is and will always be the best cure for pretty much anything. But how?
Improves concentration
As our screen time and consumption of media has increased, our ability to pay attention and concentrate has decreased significantly. Luckily, nature can fix this problem. Struggling to complete an assignment? Take a walk outside in nature for a few minutes and your concentration will instantly improve.
Improves mental health
Being outdoors and connected to nature has so many positive outcomes for your physical health, but did you know that it can do wonders for your mental health too? Spending time outdoors has such a therapeutic effect on your mind. And this isn’t just speculation. Research studies prove that being outdoors leads to cognitive improvements in children with attention deficits, reduced stress levels, and diminished depression and anxiety symptoms.
The fresh air, the smell of the grass or flowers, and the view of beautiful green scenery will melt away your problems. If you’re feeling stressed take a walk outside, stop and smell the flowers, and take a deep breath of fresh air. There’s no way your stress won’t melt away, at least for a little while.
Boosts vitamin D levels naturally
Vitamin D is found naturally in sunlight and it helps our bodies stay well. Without it, the risk of osteoporosis, rickets, and weak muscles, as well as certain autoimmune diseases increases. Poor cognitive function, depression, and anxiety have also been linked with a deficiency in vitamin D. Years of research on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) have also shown us that the sheer act of being outdoors and exposed to sunlight can boost your mood. The sunlight has amazing powers that you can tap into just by walking outside.
This might sound weird, but getting dirty can actually make you healthier. When you get your hands, face, etc. dirty outside some dirt will unintentionally make its way into your mouth. This increases the good probiotics in your gut. And this is important because your mental health is influenced by your gut. Who knew!
Reduces inflammation
Inflammation in your body is associated with a ton of health issues including autoimmune disorders, depression, and cancer. Being outdoors and spending time in green spaces has been shown to calm inflammation in your body. Isn’t it amazing that something as simple as going outside can be so effective in combating disease?
Given all the amazing benefits of nature to both our physical and mental well-being, you should be making spending time in nature a huge priority. Visit the park. Take a walk around the block. Plant a garden. Go kayaking at the lake. Just get outside! You’re never going to find an easier (or cheaper) way to improve your overall health.
