Whether it means sitting outside enjoying a cup of coffee or skiing down a mountain, being out in nature can improve your heath and well-being.Trees, mountains, bare feet walking in the sand, the sun shining on your skin, protected with SPF of course :) There is just something magical about nature and its ability to improve our mood.
Research suggests that spending time outside can function as a natural medicine. It can help improve your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
I found many articles about this subject with many lists of benefits, the top 3 that really stood out to me were happiness, stress relief, and getting a vitamin D boost.
Happiness. Science backs it: spending time outside makes you happy! There are so many outdoor activities for every fitness level.Paddle boarding, mountain biking, swimming, and taking your dog for a walk. While researchers still aren’t exactly sure what causes this link between outdoors and happiness, many studies have shown that our moods take a positive shift when we spend time outside.
Stress relief. Spending time outside has been shown to lower stress levels and has similar effects on your brain and body as that of meditating. In a time full of screens and zoom meetings, sometimes just taking the time for a short walk outside can reduce stress levels.
Vitamin D boost. It’s no secret that spending more time outside will help you soak up the sun. Vitamin D is essential for bone growth and helps regulate your immune system. Spending 15 - 20 minutes a day in the sunshine allows your body to absorb vitamin D.
There are many benefits to getting outside.Something I noticed the most for myself when I spend a good amount of time outside and away from my computer, I feel a sense of calm and more aware of being in the present moment. I'm not spending time in the past, and I'm not thinking of what's ahead. I'm in the moment. So take those small moments for yourself, unplug from your devices, and step outside for some nature therapy.
Be Well,
Cindy
Owner/Founder/Licensed Massage Therapist