Nothing can quite compare to those feel good vibes that nature gives us, and science backs this up. Recent findings reported that people’s health, wellbeing, happiness and relationships can all be improved by being out in nature. Here are just a few reasons why getting yourself into the great outdoors is ALWAYS a good idea.
Nature restores your mental energy
Feeling drained, unenthused and creatively checked out? Office life and being a hermit indoors can cause ‘mental fatigue’. But don’t fear, getting yourself outdoors is proven to restore this fatigue and leave you feeling new and rejuvenated.
You think more creatively
If you’re questioning taking some time off work to explore the great outdoors, the answer is DO IT. A study found that people who spent 4 days in nature, performed 50% better on a creative problem-solving test. Even just taking your lunch break and wondering around in a local park can unleash that creativity more then you could ever imagine.
It’s a stress reliever
City living can be constant and overwhelming. Getting away from the everyday chaotic life and experiencing a slower paced, more peaceful way of living is absolutely necessary. And it’s crazy what the forest can do for you. Known as ‘forest bathing’, a forest environment can decrease cortisol levels and your heart rate. Feeling the pressure at the moment? A trip into the outdoors has your name written all over it.
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Nature is where the vitamin D is
Vitamin D is pretty much the holy grail to feeing good and is a crucial source for your body. The sunshine doesn’t only give you a golden glow, it also maximises calcium absorption which encourages bone and dental health, whilst also reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, strokes, diabetes and much more. And where better to soak in those rays than out in nature (while wearing sun cream, obvs).
Fresh Air improves blood pressure
Spending the majority of your time indoors or in a highly polluted environment has effects on our body without us even realising. With less fresh oxygen available the body has to work harder to produce this, which in turn raises your heart and blood pressure. So, don’t underestimate the importance of clean oxygen.
Even the bacteria is good for you
Sure, the fresh air is great, but let’s not forget about the ground. Soil contains Mycobacterium vaccae, a harmless bacteria which can act as a natural antidepressant, increasing the release and metabolism of serotonin in your brain which can improve your mood, whilst also decreasing inflammations in your immune system which can lead to diabetes. Who knew!
Nature can improve your self-esteem
Issues such as anxiety and depression are proven to be reduced in a green environment, especially when combined with exercise. Officially known as ‘green exercise’, this combination is key for improving your self-esteem and mood.
Nature can help you have a good sleep
The sunlight is also known to regulate your body’s melatonin production, a hormone that controls your body’s internal clock. Having a good balance of melatonin = a good night sleep, and we all know how incredible it feels when you wake up after a great night’s kip. Oh sunshine, we do love you.
And it can even make you live for longer
Less stress, fewer illnesses and a stronger state of mind all accumulate to a longer life. Studies have even found that a wide variety of diseases were less prevalent among people who lived in close proximity to green space.