Today’s blog post has been provided by our fabulous writer, Katlyn Spade.
The health benefits of an outdoor lifestyle
Spending time in the great outdoors brings a number of different health benefits. So, learning to embrace the natural world in all its forms—and whatever the weather could bring—puts us at a big advantage regarding our mental and physical health.
Embrace the natural world!
If you already consider yourself a nature enthusiast, but you’d like to spend more time in the great outdoors, then invest in a bit of equipment for hiking or camping. Setting off on an adventure will surely revitalize you and deepen your appreciation for what nature has to offer.
There is a whole range of fun and exciting outdoor activities that you can try, and there is a whole world out there waiting to be discovered.
It could improve concentration and enhance creativity
Taking a break and getting outdoors helps clear your mind, energize you, and improve your ability to focus and concentrate. It could help stimulate creativity by serving as a source of inspiration or creating the mental space necessary to come up with new ideas.
The scientific term for this is nature therapy, and it’s being utilized in various ways in healthcare to help patients with different conditions manage their symptoms. Researchers have found that it could help manage the symptoms of ADHD; just 20 minutes in the park could be enough to help children with ADHD concentrate better. Another study showed that people who spent at least four days immersed in nature, whether it be on a camping or cycling trip, improved their performance on a problem-solving test by 50 percent.
Supports mental health
Spending time walking in nature can help ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and combining your time spent outdoors with exercise will have even more of a positive effect. The presence of water has also been shown to amplify feelings of well-being.
Spending more time in local parks, outdoor swimming pools, or even the sea are all activities that have been scientifically proven to alleviate anxiety and depression. One study found that walks in the forest helped to greatly minimize feelings of anxiety. A further study highlighted the benefits of nature on depression. Stanford Researchers found that key neural activity associated with depression was lessened when study participants took a 90-minute stroll in a natural setting compared to those who walked through an urban environment.
Reduces inflammation
Inflammation in the body can cause headaches, muscle soreness, abdominal pain, and fatigue. High levels of inflammation over prolonged periods have been linked to a range of illnesses, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Studies have shown that going for a walk can greatly help reduce inflammation; this reduction can help alleviate headaches, muscle soreness, and fatigue.
Eliminates fatigue and boosts mood
Marveling at the beauty of nature, whether it be a beautiful sunset, an impressive coastline, or a stunning landscape, can be an awe-inspiring experience and serve as a huge mood enhancer. One study found that even looking at pictures of nature can improve one’s outlook. The brain releases powerful mood-enhancing neurochemicals when walking in nature, which increases levels of satisfaction and can make you feel more positive.
