With streaming, movies and shows at your fingers tips and a comfy couch calling your name, heading outdoors for a walk in the park might be the last thing you’d want to do. A few minutes outdoors can result in an abundance of health benefits. “Exposure to natural places can lead to positive mental health outcomes, whether a view of nature from a window, being within natural places, or exercising in these environments,” says Jules Pretty, professor of environment and society at the University of Essex in England and author of “This Luminous Coast.”
Reap these four significant health benefits by going outside today.
Number 1: A Sharpened Mind
More time spent outdoors can improve your overall attention, memory, and ability to focus. Pretty says that engaging in outdoor activities can increase environmental awareness, boost creativity, foster social bonds, and influence positive behavioral choices.
Number 2: A More Scenic Workout
It has been proven that just five minutes of exercise in a park, on a nature trail, or in other green spaces will benefit your mental health. Drawing from various studies of people of different ages, genders, and health conditions, researchers have linked “green exercise” to a more profound sense of well-being, lower risk of developing mental illness, and higher level of physical activity.
Number 3: Less Stress
When people explain their understanding of what “feeling better” means, its described as being mentally restored. Studies show that simply seeing the color green puts you in a pleasant mood and relieves stressful feelings.
Number 4: A Longer Life
People who spend time outside tend to have a higher quality of life and may live longer, Harmon says. Until recently, no one realized how quickly the outdoors sparked positive changes. Pretty says five minutes is all you need, but once nature works its restorative charm, you’ll probably want to spend more time outdoors.
Need some ideas for getting outside? Pretty offers these tips:
- Snap some pictures. If you head outdoors with your camera, you’ll have memories of your time in nature and get a chance to explore your artistic side.
- Head to an off-leash dog park. Studies show that dog owners tend to stay fit year-round. Non-owners can get inspired to move by being around active pups and their keepers.
- Go seasonal sightseeing. Consider a walk through a botanical garden in the spring or summer or corn mazes and campfires in the fall or winter.
- Try geocaching, a free outdoor treasure hunt for children and adults.
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