7 Health Benefits of Spending Time Outside And In Nature

• There are many benefits to spending time outdoors and in nature, including better mental health, cognitive benefits, and physical health.

• Spending time outdoors encourages socializing and physical activity.

• There are various ways to spend time outside, including exercising outdoors, going to a park, spending time in nature, and more.

There’s a reason it’s called ​“the great outdoors.” Spending time outside and getting some fresh air is incredibly beneficial to human health and wellness, including improved physical and mental health. 

This article will discuss the many benefits of spending time outside in the natural world.

There are numerous health benefits both physically and mentally to spending time in natural environments including better sleep, improved mental health, enhanced immune system function, and more.

Improves Mental Health

Research has shown that time spent in green spaces can improve one’s overall mental well-being. 

Time in nature is linked to increased happiness and decreased mental distress, such as negative affect.

Studies have shown that more green space exposure in urban environments, such as going to parks, gardens, ponds, etc., has positive effects on mood and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Outdoor activity can also enhance one’s self-esteem. In fact, even just five minutes spent near green space or blue space can give a confidence boost. There is also research that suggests time spent exploring outdoors can improve creativity.

One study found that green spaces were linked with a lower incidence of depression in study participants.

Improves Sleep Quality

Your sleep cycle also positively benefits from being outside due to the exposure to natural light, which helps regulate your circadian rhythm. Getting enough sleep is particularly important in older populations because their eyes may be less likely to absorb light, leading to sleep issues.

Enhances Immune System Function

Sunlight is excellent for the immune system. For starters, natural light from the sun spurs vitamin D production, which is essential for health. Vitamin D is also essential for the bones and blood cells.

As well, sunlight stimulates T cells that are imperative for fighting infections.

Fosters Social Connection

Spending time in a natural environment can also improve your social life. Research shows that spending time outdoors encourages social interaction and positive social experiences. Positive social interactions and building community are imperative for overall health and wellness. In fact, the quality of our relationships often correlate with the longevity of our lives.

Sharpens Focus

Outdoor time impacts cognition in positive ways as well. Research shows that taking breaks to spend time in nature helps improve focus. A study from the University of Michigan found that memory and attention spans were improved by 20 percent after interacting with nature for one hour.

Studies have also shown potential links between improved health outcomes for school children exposed to more green spaces, notably increased cognitive development. 

Inspires Physical Activity

If you have been wanting to be more physically active, simply step outside. There are plenty of outdoor activities to take part in from walking to kayaking to gardening and more.

Getting regular physical activity has a host of health benefits including improved brain health, healthy weight management, a reduced risk of disease, strengthened bones and muscles, and enhanced ability to carry out daily tasks and responsibilities.

Reduces Stress

Stress can wreak havoc on our minds and bodies. In some ways, time spent outdoors can be a form of self-care, as it can help minimize stress.

Studies show that spending time outdoors, ideally for at least 20 minutes, can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Notably, for those living in urban areas, many factors can contribute to stress. Sensory overload from loud sounds and fast-paced environments can increase our stress levels, even when we aren’t aware of it. Many cities lack green spaces, making it more difficult to find time to fully immerse in nature.

Additionally, studies have shown evidence that even spending time around trees or plants in natural spaces can help reduce anxiety and improve stress levels.

Improves Overall Health

Time spent outside also is linked to better health physically. Some potential positive effects of time spent in nature include healthy weight management and a lower risk of high blood pressure.
 

There are so many different ways to get outdoor time. Not to mention, being outdoors and soaking in nature is the perfect, budget-friendly way to pass time. Just make sure to apply your broad spectrum sunscreen before you head out. Below are some ideas for outdoor activities.

Exercise Outdoors

Outdoor exercise is a wonderful way to get your heart rate up while spending time outdoors. Some options include:

• Walk

• Run/​jog

• Yoga

• Hike

• Bike ride

• Recreational sports

Forest Bathe

Forest bathing refers to time spent in forest environments. Several studies have shown that forest bathing is energizing as well as helps improve sleep quality and the immune system.

A great way to forest bathe would be to set up a hammock, read a book on a nearby bench, walk a local trail, or spend time birdwatching.

Go to a Local Park

Going to a local park offers opportunities to socialize with others, get exercise, and breathe in some fresh air. Some parks include a lake you could fish in, outdoor exercise equipment you can test out, or tables that are perfect for picnicking and gathering with loved ones.

If you have children, going to a local park can be ideal for unstructured outdoor play to keep the kids moving, as well as provide bonding time with the family. Studies have shown that more time spent in green spaces correlates with less screen time, which can benefit mental and cognitive health.

Tend To Your Garden

Gardening is a wonderful, mindful hobby that allows for more time in nature. Spend time tending to beautiful flowers or nurturing homegrown vegetables. If you’re a fan of birdwatching, you can set up a birdbath, birdhouses, or bird feeders in your yard to attract local birds. Not to mention, hummingbird feeders which are easy to keep up with a simple sugar water mixture.

Pass Time By The Water

There are a variety of ways to spend time in nature that don’t involve greenery such as spending time in or near a body of water. Some ways to spend time by the water include:
 

• Fishing

• Kayaking

• Canoeing

• Swimming

• Beach walks

• Boating

• Paddleboarding

• Rafting

Socialize Outdoors

Because of the wonderful benefits nature can bring, many stores, restaurants, and pop up events are taking to the streets. Visit a local brewery that resides outside or walk around an outlet mall the next time you want to shop. Also, be sure to check your local listings for special outdoor events like concerts, farmer’s markets, flea markets, sporting events, and other timely activities.