Dr. Nature says, “GET OUTSIDE!” - 5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Be Spending More Time Outdoors

Its not breaking news that spending time outdoors in nature is good for you. Breathing in fresh air, seeing beautiful views, and getting some time away from screens provides instant and undeniable “feel goods”. Beyond an internal feeling, there are many studies, backed by science, that highlight the benefits of getting out into green spaces.

Below are five reasons that we believe top the list.

Environmental Awareness
The more time we spend time outside in nature, the more awareness we have for our ever-changing environment. Seeing these changes helps humans understand that their individual day-to-day choices significantly impact the environment. Studies have shown that time spent in nature makes humans feel more connected to each other and the world at large. Increased feeling of belonging and connection gives adults and children more reason to take care of each other and the world they live in.

Dr. Nancy Wells, an environmental psychologist at Cornell University, has also produced numerous studies on the relationship between time human’s spent in nature and their will to conserve it. Her 2006 study suggests that childhood participation with nature may set individuals on a trajectory toward adult environmentalism.

Mindfulness
Mindfulness is something that has been increasing in popularity due to its major health benefits. Research on the subject has shown that mindfulness practices can help increase our ability to regulate emotions and decrease stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also help us to focus our attention and experience thoughts and emotions with no judgement attachment. As we become more present in our lives and aware of our relation to others, we can make better decisions, manage our emotions, and be more fully engaged in life.

That all sounds pretty great right? Well to our benefit, becoming more mindful can be achieved by simply spending more time outdoors. When we immerse ourselves outside, we create physical and psychological distance from our daily routine and demands. Various studies have found that being outdoors for at least half an hour daily can reduce your chances of depression by up to 50%. This is partially due to the increased mindfulness generated from spending time outdoors.

Brain Health and Improved Attention Span!
Nature is full of fractals; natural never-ending patterns that create semi-similar irregular shapes over and over again. Spiral seashells, snowflakes, waves in the ocean, mushrooms, and the way the root system of a tree looks are all great examples of fractals. Scientists at the University of Illinois have found that even just looking at the fractal geometry of nature can improve brain health, reduce levels of irritability, and generate “a sense of well-being and peace.”. Instead of picking up your phone to play a “brain game”, get outdoors and observe the natural patterns our greenspaces have to offer.

Evidence has also shown that spending time outdoors can improve your attention span - something that the digital era and social media have been deteriorating. A recent review of hundreds of studies has found mounting "evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship" - Experiences in nature led to improvements in attention span, self-discipline and physical fitness, all while reducing stress.

Increased Immune System and Overall Health
There is a variety of different bacteria found in nature. Spending time outside exposes us to these bacteria which can benefit our immune system. A substantial amount of research from Japan suggests that phytoncides, organic compounds with antibacterial properties, released by trees could also explain the health-boosting properties of spending time in nature.

When we are outdoors, we are also exposed to sunlight. Although the sun gets a lot of bad press because of the damage it can cause from prolonged exposure, taking in some regular rays (safely) has many benefits to our bodies. Vitamin D levels are boosted by sunlight, which is essential for healthy bones. The sunshine also helps people to feel an enhanced mood and increase in energy.

Decreases Risk of Common Killers
Scientific studies have shown that exposure to greenspace reduces the risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, preterm birth, stress, and high blood pressure. This linkage is largely due to the anti-inflammatory effect that nature’s bacteria has on the human body.

In one study, students who spent time in the forest had lower levels of inflammation than those who spent time in the city. In another, elderly patients who had been sent on a weeklong trip into the forest showed reduced signs of inflammation.

Whether this information is new or old to you, it is good to be constantly aware of. We hope that this blog is a gentle reminder that your mind, body, and soul could benefit from more walks outside. Or better yet, a horseback ride outside with Copper Cayuse Outfitters!

Copper Cayuse is currently offering special early booking prices on all horseback rides. Visit www.coppercayuseoutfitters.ca/tours to pick a ride, then use code “CCO10” upon checkout to receive early booking discount.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22840583

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22948092

https://www.uea.ac.uk/about/-/it-s-official-spending-time-outside-is-good-for-you

Materials provided by University of East Anglia. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

University of East Anglia. (2018, July 6). It's official -- spending time outside is good for you. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 14, 2020 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180706102842.htm