A lot of us don’t go outside that much. We stay indoors with our eyes glued to screens for many hours. But is that a bad thing? Well, it turns out that the indoors are associated with poor health. Without fresh air, sunshine, and no contact with Mother Nature, we get sleep issues, anxiety, and more. Below are 5 health benefits of nature.
1. Mental Health
Nature has many benefits for your mental health. The sound of rain and the sight of trees soothe anxiety, stress, and depression.
2. Physical Health
Nature also benefits your physical health. Because you won’t be as stressed, your stress hormones won’t be high, which means better heart health. You might also feel more motivated to exercise outdoors rather than indoors.
3. Phytoncides
Plants release chemicals called phytoncides that repel insects, bacteria, and fungi. When we breathe in these chemicals, our bodies react by producing white blood cells, which fight viruses.
4. Natural Sleep Aid
Sunlight tunes your circadian rhythm with the day, making for quality sleep. Your circadian rhythm is how your body knows when to go to sleep or when to be awake.
5. Vitamin D
They call vitamin D the “sunshine vitamin” for a reason! Our bodies create vitamin D when sunlight contacts our skin. Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and muscles.
Nature: The Underrated Wellness Booster
Hitting up parks and birdwatching aren’t just fun pastimes; they’re essential for a healthier and happier you.
Sources
- Stress Can Increase Your Risk for Heart Disease. University of Rochester Medical Center.
- Immerse Yourself in a Forest for Better Health. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (.gov).
- What Is Circadian Rhythm? Sleep Foundation.
- Vitamin D – Consumer – NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. National Institutes of Health (.gov), 2022.
Take your outdoor wellness to the next level by reading “4 Outdoor Workout Benefits You’ll Love.”
