Spending time in nature is good for your body and for your mind. It can help you feel better and keep you busy. Here are a few more good reasons to go outside today.
1. Increases Your Short-Term Memory
How often have you lost your keys or phone because you forgot where you put them? Spending time outside can help you remember things better. A study on this subject was done at the University of Michigan. They found that students’ test scores went up by 20% when they walked outside.
Natural places also help you concentrate, which improves your memory. There are a lot of things that can get in the way in the city, like traffic or big crowds. Even so, there are fewer things to watch out for in cities. If you can remember things better, you’ll do better at work. Getting their kids outside can help them do better on tests.
2. Restores Your Mental Energy
From work to taking care of your kids, you deal with a lot of stress every day. It can sometimes make you feel like your mind is empty. Being in nature can make you feel better and give you more energy.
Even looking at a beautiful lake can make you feel awestruck. This good feeling can help you feel better. You can also calm your mind by going outside. Then you can stop being worried and think about what you need to do next.
3. Relieves Stress
People often feel stressed, but going to the park can help relieve some of it. When you go outside, your cortisol levels go down and your heart rate slows. These changes to your body can help you feel calmer. Just going outside for 20 minutes can lower the amount of stress hormones in your body.
Also, the easier it is to handle your anxiety, the calmer you feel. Plus, the beautiful views can help you forget about any worries you might have. Even just going outside can help office workers deal with their stress. So, try to work near a window or take your lunch break outside.
4. Improves Your Immune System
If your immune system isn’t working right, it can make you sick. Spending time in nature can make inflammation levels go down. Going to the park can make your body make more white blood cells. These cells help fight off germs and bacteria that can make you sick. To keep up with your busy life, you must have a healthy immune system.
5. Enhances Your Vision
Studies have shown that kids are less likely to get nearsighted if they play outside. Sunlight stops the eye from getting longer, which is what causes the condition. Also, the brighter light makes it easier to focus without putting too much strain on the eyes. Having better eyesight is important for everyday tasks like driving.
6. Better Concentration
Walking along a trail can help you feel better mentally, which can help you concentrate better. Also, when you have less to do, your mind doesn’t get pulled in too many different directions. Also, when you feel less stressed, it’s easier to deal with what’s going on.
Improving your ability to focus will help you get more done at work. Also, the more focused you are, the easier it is to come up with new ways to solve problems. Also, taking a child with ADHD outside can be a good way to help them.
7. Helps You Manage Your Weight
Being outside makes people more likely to move around. Exercise is important for making your muscles stronger and giving you more stamina. You should move around for at least 30 minutes a day. Working out can also help you keep a healthy weight, which can lower your risk of diabetes.
Simple ways to get some fresh air are to go for a walk or ride a bike. Take your child to a natural playground, if you are a parent. Equipment for these is made from natural materials like wood. Children can play in more creative ways when they play in natural settings.
8. Gets You Off Your Electronics
People spend about 19 hours a day on their screens in the digital world of today. When you go outside, you can put down your devices and be in the moment. Too much time spent staring at a screen is bad for your health. One of them doesn’t sleep enough. Your brain can stay awake at night because of the light from your phone.
- Here are some more effects of watching too much TV:
- Eye strain and headaches
- Addictive behaviors
- Neck and back pain
- Changes in cognition
- Lower levels of physical activity
9. Improves Your Mental Wellbeing
Stress and worry can go away when you spend time outside. If not taken care of properly, these can lead to mental disorders. You can clear your mind by taking a walk around your neighborhood. When your mind is more calm, you can fight off bad feelings better.
In fact, people with depression can get help from nature therapy. There are many different ways to get help. For example, rafting and rock climbing are both types of adventure therapy.
10. Increases Your Lifespan
With all the good things nature does for your health, you can expect to live longer. Living near forests also makes the air cleaner and makes you more likely to exercise. Exercise also makes you more social, which is good for your mental health. When you live a longer, fuller life, you are more likely to make memories that will last.
Why You Need To Get Outdoors Today
There are many beautiful things in nature, like lakes and mountain views. Getting out into nature is also good for your physical and mental health. So, go outside the next time you need a break.
