How the Great Outdoors Benefits Your Well Being

We live in a world where technology is everywhere. We take our phones everywhere. Our computers are always with us. And we use them to watch movies, play games, listen to music, read books, surf the web, shop online, and communicate with friends, family, coworkers, and even strangers. While there are many positives associated with this modern lifestyle, one thing seems clear: it isn’t making us happy.

Research indicates that humans evolved to thrive in environments that include trees, grasses, mountains, rivers, oceans, and forests. These natural elements provide numerous health benefits, including improved mood, increased energy levels, better sleep quality, and lower blood pressure. In addition, spending time outdoors helps reduce stress and improves focus.

But while technology allows us to immerse ourselves in digital activities anytime and anywhere, it doesn’t allow us to experience the great outdoors similarly. As a result, we often miss out on some of the most important aspects of living in the great outdoors—like feeling the sun on our skin, smelling the flowers, hearing birdsong, seeing clouds move across the sky, and breathing in the fresh air.

As a society, we’re becoming increasingly disconnected from the great outdoors. This trend is especially true among men, who are likelier to say they feel lonely than women. They are also less likely to report being interested in environmental issues and more likely to believe that human activity rather than natural causes cause climate change.

So what can we do about it? One solution is to go outside more frequently. Spending time in the great outdoors increases happiness, reduces stress, boosts creativity, and promotes positive emotions like awe and wonder. There are plenty of opportunities to connect with the great outdoors every day, whether it’s taking a walk around the block, heading to a park, or simply enjoying the beauty of a tree or flower.

While technology offers many advantages, it also creates challenges. For example, because smartphones make it easy to access information and interact with others, we tend to spend less time reading books and listening to music. Instead, we prefer to consume media via apps and devices. Unfortunately, this makes us less aware of the world and less able to appreciate the wonders of the great outdoors.

Mental health benefits of being in the great outdoors

A recent study found that spending time outdoors helps us relax, reduce stress, and boost energy. It even improves mental health. Researchers studied over 300 adults living in urban areas and compared their mental health scores to people who spent less than 30 minutes per day interacting with the great outdoors. They found that participants who spent more than 60 minutes per day in the great outdoors had better psychological health than those who did not.

The researchers concluded that spending time outdoors provides a sense of calmness and reduces feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Participants reported feeling happier overall and experienced fewer negative emotions such as anger, frustration, and sadness. Those who spend more time outdoors feel more connected to their communities and the great outdoors.

While the study focused on urban residents, it supports previous research that suggests that spending time outdoors boosts mental health and decreases stress. This is because we are surrounded by the great outdoors everywhere we look. We see trees, flowers, birds, wildlife, and water daily. These things provide a natural source of relaxation and calm.

Physical and cognitive benefits of being outdoors

The great outdoors provides countless health benefits. From lowering stress levels to improving memory, spending time in green spaces and forests can provide numerous mental and physical benefits.

Green spaces and trees can lower your heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. These changes can lead to a meditative effect and a sense of calmness. Research shows that moderate exposure to sunlight can prompt your body to produce vitamin D, helping protect your bones. However, don’t forget sunscreen if you’ll be outside for more than fifteen minutes!

Sunlight helps regulate your sleep cycles and cues your brain to produce mood-boosting hormones, including serotonin. Spending time in natural settings can also help you feel connected to yourself, others, and the world around you.

Evidence suggests that exposure to negative ions in the fresh air can boost your immune system and increase your metabolism.

The great outdoors better connects us to ourselves and our surroundings by fostering stronger feelings of connection and support.

Conclusion

In conclusion, spending time outside is essential to physical and mental health. Spending time outdoors helps us relax, recharge, and reconnect with ourselves. When we spend time outdoors, we become more aware of the beauty around us and gain inspiration from its natural wonders.

When we spend time outdoors, we also tend to improve our moods and boost our energy levels. Studies show that spending time outdoors has been proven to help reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. So next time you plan a day trip to the park, forest, or beach, pack a pair of comfortable shoes and a camera. You never know what amazing photos you might capture!

Get gear that will inspire you to reconnect with the great oudoors.