Being in nature is not just refreshing but it also has various physiological benefits and healing effects. With our current lifestyle, we spend a lot of time sitting at our desks and basically have no time for exercise or physical activity. Our bodies aren’t made to be glued to our screens for the entire day. They aren’t made for sedentary lifestyle. And this ultimately takes a toll on our health and wellbeing and leads to respiratory issues, sleep disorders, poor vision, obesity, and stress.
It has been proven that spending time in nature can counter all of these effects and revitalize us both physically and mentally. Following are some reasons why being in nature is good for you and why it should be a part of your lifestyle.
Walks in Nature Help Your Memory
Cognitive functions relate to intellectual activity, reasoning, thinking, and your ability to remember. According to studies, spending time in nature even just for a few minutes helps boost our cognitive functions. Walks in nature help our memory, increase our ability to pay attention, increase our concentration levels, and more.
Nature Can Literally Heal
Being in nature has healing effects on our physical wellbeing and mental health. Nature does wonders for healing both physical and mental sickness. A hike uphill for instance is a form of exercise that helps regulate heart rate, muscle tension, blood pressure, boosts the immune system, reduces stress hormones, and more.
Nature Reduces Your Stress
According to a study, spending at least a couple of hours a week of time in nature helps reduce stress. The peace and quiet of the natural environment around us helps us clear our mind of unnecessary tension, anxiety, worries, and anger. The time spent in nature is also an excellent form of exercise, which is one of the major keys in fighting stress and depression.
You Absorb Vitamin D Better
Vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins to your overall wellbeing and health. Research suggests that vitamin D may help prevent or treat autoimmune diseases, heart disease, chronic pain, depression, cancer, and even osteoporosis. There’s virtually nothing this vitamin isn’t good for and natural sunlight is the best source of vitamin D for both adults and children.
It Brightens Your Mood
It has been a long-standing fact that nature’s serenity and beauty have a calming effect on the mind and they create a sense of peace. If you are having a stressful week, then it is recommended that you spend some time outdoors in nature and see the difference it can make in lifting your mood. Being in nature effectively recharges your mind, prevents mental fatigue, reduces stress, and helps you to be in a happy mood.
In conclusion, whether you take an afternoon trip, take an outdoor vacation, or simply step outside your office for a lunch break in an open space, it’s important to expose yourself to the mental and physical health benefits of nature on regular basis.
Photos by: Artem Beliaikin, Josh Hild, Jared Rice, Monica Turlui, Faruk Tokluoglu, Sebastian Voortman