Almost none of us spend as much time outside as we should. It can be hard to get our time with the natural world when our schedules are so full. Between work, kids’ schedules, and chores at home, how are you supposed to find the time?
According to several recent scientific studies, it’s worth making your nature time a priority. Spending a little time in the natural world can improve your health, make you happier, and help you focus. Read on to learn more.
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Boosts the Immune System
It may surprise you to learn that spending time in nature, especially in a forest, can help boost your immune system. In fact, a weekend camping or hiking trip can make your immune system stronger for up to a month after the fact!
When we breathe in fresh, natural air, we’re inhaling chemicals that plants use to defend themselves from fungi and bacteria.
When we breathe these in, our bodies respond by making more natural killer cells, a specific kind of white blood cells. These cells kill infected cells in our bodies, helping us fight off diseases before we start feeling sick.
Reduces Stress
If you’ve ever taken a long walk down the beach, you won’t be surprised to learn this next fact. Spending time in nature can help reduce stress, decrease depression, and lower anxiety. Even something as simple as looking at pictures of trees can help with these issues.
Studies have shown that spending time in nature, whether or not we’re exercising, can help lower blood pressure.
Levels of cortisol and adrenaline, both stress-related hormones, also decrease in natural settings.
And since these hormones inhibit the immune system, this serves to further boost our physical health.
Helps You Focus
Time spent in nature can even help you regain your focus and be less distracted in daily life.
When we focus on too many things for too long (such as social media, email, family demands, chores, and work projects), we develop Directed Attention Fatigue.
Over long periods of time, this can drain us, making us unhappier and less effective.
But spending time in nature can help fight the effects of Directed Attention Fatigue. And some studies have shown that children diagnosed with ADHD benefit from time spent outdoors.
They have fewer related symptoms and are able to be more focused and patient later.
Get in Touch with the Natural World
Staying in touch with the natural world is important for overall health and wellness. Whether it’s a walk with the dog or a weekend hiking trip, try to find time to spend outside. You’ll be surprised at the difference it makes.
If you’d like to learn how to balance your natural beauty inside and out, check out the rest of our site at Naravis. We offer natural health and beauty supplements to help you keep your life healthy and happy. Check out our plan to help you make the journey to a healthy lifestyle today.
Sources:
- "Spend Time in Nature to Reduce Stress and Anxiety." Healthy Living, 1 Aug. 2018, https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/spend-time-in-nature-to-reduce-stress-and-anxiety
- Kuo, Frances E. PhD, Taylor Faber, Andrea PhD. "A Potential Natural Treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Evidence From a National Study." NCBI, Sept. 2004, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1448497
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