10 reasons to spend more time in nature

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Being in nature can help prevent many diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle.

1. It improves short-term memory

Researchers have found that nature walks are healthier than city walks. The participants took a short memory test and then were divided into two groups. Some went for a walk along the arboretum, while others along the city streets. When they returned, the participants took the test again. It turned out that the results of those who walked in nature improved by almost 20%. But a walk around the city had almost no effect on the results.

Researchers who have studied the effects of walking on depressed patients have come to a similar conclusion.

2. It relieves stress

When we are in the woods, our heart rate and levels of cortisol, a hormone considered to be an indicator of stress, decrease. In Japan, “forest baths” are even prescribed to relieve stress.

And for office workers, stress is reduced, even if the office just has a window overlooking the nature.

3. It reduces the level of inflammation

Inflammation has been linked to autoimmune disorders, bowel disease, depression, and cancer. Scientists have found that after staying in the forest, the level of inflammation in the body decreases in both young and old people.

4. It relieves mental fatigue

Surely you are familiar with the feeling when the brain seems to be deaf and you can not concentrate on anything. This condition is called mental fatigue. Being in nature will help you to relax and return to normal. According to research, people feel better even when they see images of nature.

5. It helps fight depression and anxiety

Walking in the woods can reduce anxiety and bad moods and can be used as an adjunct to depression treatment. Moreover, the positive effect is enhanced if you are near the water while walking. Sports activities in nature are also useful. They improve mood and self-esteem.

6. It is good for sight

Scientists have found that outdoor recreation reduces the risk of myopia in children.

Taiwanese researchers observed two nearby schools, where the number of children suffering from myopia was approximately the same. They asked the management of one school to spend more time outside during breaks. A year later, the share of myopic children in this school was 8, 41%, and in the second - 17, 65%.

7. It improves concentration

In one experiment, researchers gave participants tedious tasks that drain concentration. Then one group of participants went for a walk in nature, another in the city, and the third just resting without going anywhere. After a while, all participants completed the task of finding and correcting errors. The best results were shown by those who walked in nature.

Walking helps even children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. They found they found it easier to concentrate after a 20-minute walk in the park.

8. It helps you think creatively

Imagine a side-effect-free treatment available to everyone that will also improve your creativity. All this gives a stay in nature.

Studies have shown that those who are outdoors for four days have a 50% improvement in creative thinking when solving problems.

9. It relieves pressure

Japanese researchers have found that walking in the woods not only lowers stress hormone levels by 15%, but also lowers blood pressure.

10. It Can Become Cancer Prevention

Although there is no definitive evidence yet, preliminary data suggest that being in nature, especially in the forest, stimulates the production of anti-cancer proteins.

Also, scientists from Japan found that in areas with more forests, the death rate from cancer is lower.