As summer in the Northern Hemisphere draws to a close, there is no greater time to be outside. The weather is still warm enough for summer activities and soon it will cool down and bring some of the most beautiful temperatures. Many of us are back to school or busy at work, and spend most of our time indoors or by a computer or television screen.
But research suggests it's important to make time to get outdoors as well, since doing so is beneficial — maybe essential — for human health. Psychologists and health researchers are finding more and more science-backed reasons we should go outside and enjoy the natural world.
1. Outdoor activities are a great way to exercise
One of the most obvious benefits of spending time outdoors is exercise. While not all outdoor activities burn calories, there are a lot of fun things you can do outside that can improve your cardiovascular endurance or build your muscles. Some of my personal favorites are hiking, cycling, and kayaking. I also no longer go to the gym to work out and have become a member of Camp Gladiator, which hosts outdoor HIIT workouts in various cities. Being outside while exercising is really motivating for me. When I'm inside a gym running on a stationary machine, it's easy to get bored and want to quit early. Outside, I usually don't even notice that I'm getting a great workout because I'm having so much fun!
2. Nature can help you de-stress and relax
Getting outside can help you escape the stress of work or school. Stress can tear up a healthy mind and immune system. High levels of stress at work and school are associated with depression, obesity, and high blood pressure. Luckily, there is a natural stress reliever right in your backyard.
3. Being outside is a relief for your eyes
Staring at computer, phone, and TV screens for extended periods of time is considered bad for your vision. The symptoms associated with screentime include blurred vision, double vision, dry/red eyes, eye irritation, headaches, and neck or back pain. Getting outside and focusing on objects not two feet from your face can help to prevent and even reverse these symptoms.
4. Taking a break outside can improve your mental focus
Do you ever feel the need to take a break and go for a brisk walk, or step outside for a breath of fresh air? That's because being outside can help sharpen your focus and reset your mind. Views of nature from an office window and breaks from work in the outdoors have both been shown to increase productivity and concentration. And studies show creative problem solving and cognitive function can be boosted by nearly 50 percent after spending several days exploring the outdoors. (Creativity in the Wild)
5. Vitamin D is good for the soul
This is perhaps the most obvious reason to get outside, since the sun supplies us with best source of Vitamin D: we get more than 90 percent of our vitamin D from casual exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is essential for a well-functioning body. It helps us absorb calcium, it prevents osteoporosis, and it reduces inflammation, among other things. In the winter, shorter days and lower light levels can trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD—a reoccurring condition that's marked by symptoms of anxiety, exhaustion, and sadness. So soak up that sunshine while it's still here!
6. Aquatic environments are therapeutic
Bodies of water, lakes, rivers, and oceans, are naturally soothing for us. Water is such an integral part of of our lives, and aquatic environments can have tremendously wonderful effects on our minds and bodies. Even just being immersed in water is said to have similar effects as those of meditating. Being lakeside or swimming in the ocean can be incredibly rejuvenating to your entire self. (Brain Aquatic).
7. Forests are also good for you
Many people identify as either a beach person or a mountain person. The great news is that both are amazing environments! Forests and mountains definitely have the upper hand when it comes to fresh, clean air. The abundance of trees mean an increased amount of fresh oxygen being produced. In Japan, where "shinrin-yoku" or "forest-bathing" is considered a form of preventative medicine. Science has shown that gentle exercise and relaxation in a forest environment can help us undo some of the stressful downsides of modern life. (forest-bathing)
8. Nature can help boost your creativity
During this busy time of the year, our minds can get bogged down and we need outlets to express ourselves. If you're struggling with writer's block, you might want to ditch your laptop for the great outdoors. Psychologists found that backpackers scored 50 percent higher on creativity tests after spending a few days in the wild sans electronics. (Creativity in the Wild)
9. Sometimes, it just feels good to ground yourself
Perhaps still on the fringe of mainstream science is the practice referred to as grounding, which results from bare skin contact on a natural surface. The theory states that because the earth is negatively charged, we absorb earth's electrons. The rubber soles of our shoes prevent this absorption of electrons from occurring. Whether or not you agree with that, kicking off your shoes is relaxing, and feeling cool grass or soft sand under your feet can be energizing.
The grind of our daily lives can wear us down, but during this beautiful time of year it is incredibly important to remember to care for yourself and get outside! It can have amazing benefits for you, inside and out.
