We’ve all had our fair share of bad days. Nervous feelings, agitation, and stress keep piling up, and no matter how much you’re trying to suppress them, you ultimately become a ticking time bomb, ready to pop at any given moment. In these scenarios, we usually receive one simple piece of advice that has an undeniably powerful effect – go outside in nature.
You’re probably aware of the health benefits of nature. Just a simple walk in the park or around your block can do wonders for your mental state, relaxing you in the easiest way possible. However, due to the digital age we live in today, people rarely get the chance to experience the wonders of nature. Even when we are outside, we’re most likely glued to our phones, endlessly scrolling so we don’t miss anything important. Well, now is the time to change that
Since Earth Week is just around the corner, this is the perfect opportunity for us to highlight some of the health benefits of nature. According to a study done by Arizona State University, researchers found that spending just twenty minutes outside and getting some sun exposure can do wonders for your health and wellness and significantly lower your stress levels. And this is just the beginning!
1. Reduces Stress
As you probably know, one of the best ways to lower your stress is to go outside and take in the nature around you. This typically refers to taking deep breaths of fresh air and marvelling at beautiful landscapes. But did you know that the soil can also help with this?
Soil and humans have been deeply intertwined since the beginning of time. Nowadays, however, fewer people tend to literally get their hands dirty. Consequently, this has led to us not enjoying the benefits soil provides.
Namely, soil contains tons of bacteria, some of which can be particularly healthy for humans. In this case, we are talking about the Mycobacterium vaccae. Research has shown that this particular bacteria can significantly lower our stress and improve our mood. That said, the next time you’re spending time outdoors, grab a fistful of soil, take a deep whiff of it, and see how it makes you feel!
2. Improves Creativity
In 2012, David Strayer, a researcher from the University of Utah was eager to find out how nature helps with our concentration. After all, this relationship has been a favorite of scientists for ages! He took two groups of hikers - one that were already on a four-day hike, and the other who were waiting to go.
After a set of complex problems, David found out those who were already on the hike provided more creative solutions for the problems in front of them. He then redid the research, only this time he measured salivary cortisol levels. Yet again, the study showed that those who spent more time in nature were less stressed and more concentrated. This just goes to show you how the outdoors can be a bottomless well of inspiration!
3. Inspires Growth
You’ve probably been in a situation where a truly glorious natural sight like a soaring canyon or a dramatic waterfall has left you in awe. Even if you were having the worst day in your life, the scenery alone has made you forget all about it.
This is because nature inspires feelings of awe. Researchers Jonathan Haidt and Dacher Keltner started to study this phenomenon in 2003 and discovered that feelings of awe make us more connected to the world around us and inspire personal growth. Furthermore, we feel more generous and ethical knowing there is something much higher and more powerful than the human being.
Knowing this, start the hunt for awe-inspiring places where you live and enjoy this incredible health benefit of nature!
These were only some of the best health benefits of nature and there’s a lot more where that came from! Once you’re done reading this post, disconnect from the digital world and turn to the real one. In just a few moments, you’ll see how everything is much brighter and more positive!
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