The physical and mental benefits of being outdoors- according to science

Most of the people who are called to spend the weekend in nature are thankful for this and feel good for the time they spend outdoors. This is for a reason. In a world in which modern life forces us to stay more in concrete jungles environment, it becomes more crucial for us to find the time to escape. Science showed so many times, how important it is to spend longer times outdoors. The physical and mental health benefits of being outdoors are plenty.

Being outdoors is as a prescription for stress relief

Studies have shown that being outdoors, even for a couple of days, can reduce stress levels and the levels of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol, commonly considered as the stress hormone, is an indicator of stress condition and has many effects on body and mind. Cortisol also plays an important role in hormone balance for fat burning.

Different studies demonstrated a lower heart rate and cortisol levels when staying in a forest environment compared to staying in a city environment.

In addition, sunlight has positive impact on the production of the hormone of serotonin. Higher levels of serotonin can improve mood and calmness.

Immune system, blood pressure and mental health

So there are definitely benefits for the hormone balance by staying outdoors, to relieve stress. But even more than that. Physical exercising outdoors also helps to reduce depression and anxiety and to strengthen the immune system.

A study generated by Australian and UK researches showed impact of being outdoors on blood pressure. Less blood pressure observed in people who visit parks for even short period of times of 30 minutes.

Spending time outside reduces inflammation

Different studies with elderly patients and students have shown improvement in the inflammation levels in the body, when staying enough time outdoors.

More than that, studies have shown the benefits of even looking at forests and nature pictures, which is pretty amazing.

The outdoors can keep your eyes for the long-range vision

Being in the outdoors forces you to use the full range of staring and focusing at closer objects as well as far objects. Studies have shown this protects the eyes from losing the long-range vision.

A study on myopia has demonstrated the benefit of playing outdoor. Children who play outdoor can decrease the myopia severity.

Benefiting from natural aromatherapy

Some of the health benefits of aromatherapy include its ability to reduce anxiety, ease depression, boost energy levels, speed up the healing process, eliminate headaches, boost cognitive performance, induce sleep, strengthen the immune system, reduce pain, improve digestion and increase circulation.

While being in the nature you can benefit from the natural aromatherapy of the surroundings. Pine trees, roses, eucalyptus, and more, are all can be found in your trail.

Help with mental fatigue

If you are emotionally and mentally drained for too long periods, you might suffer from mental fatigue.

Being outdoors helps for reducing mental fatigue. Studies show you can benefit from the outdoors fighting mental fatigue in any temperature and scenery. The tranquility, and alternation of mindset are great contributors to the mental health.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Commonly happens during winter times. This periodic depressive feeling impacts normal mental health people. Doctors indicate S.A.D is lessened when spending time in the outdoors, also in the cold winter times.

Feeling self-achievement and fulfillment

When spending time outdoors we reach higher levels of fulfillment. This is true especially when hiking or trekking or other activities with clear destiny or goals.

Skeletal strength and fitness

Hiking activity, especially in natural environments helps to maintain healthier and stronger body. It improves the strength of the bones, contributing to bones density. Also, hiking improves our aerobic system and strengths muscles, mainly legs and core.

Having higher levels of vitamin-D

Vitamin D deficiency is not rare. It is especially important for children. Spending time outdoors is essential for having enough sunshine so the body can produce enough vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for calcium absorption and bone growth.

May help with ADHD

Symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder may be lower when regularly spending times in a tranquil natural environment. Studies have found that even simple outdoor activities, spending time in nature can assist.

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