The Amazing Benefits of Spending More Time in Nature

You have been sitting behind your computer for too long. You have been working hard, but your brain feels as if it is filled with hundreds of wet cardboard. You go to the kitchen, but when you reach the door, you forget what you came for! You grab a banana or an energy drink, but it doesn't help.

To freshen up, you decide to go outside and take a stroll. But to where? Maybe a walk through the forest to the river? Well, this might do the magic!

Recent research has revealed that nature provides the most reliable boosts to your physical and mental health.  Besides, there is a wide range of other scientifically-backed benefits that one can enjoy by spending a few minutes in nature.

1.     Restored mental energy

Are you suffering from mental fatigue, and your brain can't think anymore?

You might get help by booking an appointment with your doctor, but one of the best ways of getting back to your normal state is by exposing the brain to a restorative environment. This means that you should get out and enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer.

In fact, one study asserted that one could regain mental energy by simply looking at pictures of nature. Another study found that by experiencing natural beauty, one elicits feelings of admiration, which is a great way to gain a mental boost.

2.     Improved memory

If you are suffering from short-term memory loss, and you cannot even remember who were the latest Super bowl winners were despite being an NFL fanatic, then there is one prescription that can help improve it - taking a walk in the park, literally!

Researchers from the University of Michigan subjected students to a short memory test. They were divided into two groups, where one was asked to walk down a city street, while the other walked around an arboretum. They repeated the process, and when they came back, those who walked in nature did 20% better than those who walked in the city.

For older people, research has shown that those who keep up with their walking habits in green environments have a 40% reduced risk of acquiring dementia.

Therefore, urban environments will not help boost your working memory. Head outdoors and enjoy the tranquility of nature!

3.     Reduced stress

Are you feeling stressed? Well, studies show that you might feel relieved by heading for the trees. In a recent study, a group of students was sent to the city, while another was sent forest for two nights. The latter recorded decreased levels of Cortisol (a stress hormone) than the former. 

Even in work environments, the view of a natural environment through a window is associated with decreased stress levels, job satisfaction, and higher productivity.

4.     Improved happiness

If you have suffered from anxiety or depression in the past, you can attest to the fact that nature walks are by far more effective than anti-depressants. When you expose yourself to green environments, your mood and self-esteem improve significantly. The blend of quiet peace, fresh air, and exercise lifts your spirits and makes you happier. 

5.     Enhanced creativity

When you walk in nature, you will find yourself surrounded by beautiful voices of chirping birds, running water, and blowing wind. In such instances, research has shown that you will start thinking in ways you never envisioned. 

Whether you take long or short walks, you will undoubtedly notice a change in your thinking. This is because nature inspires humans to relax and open their minds. Can't believe it, huh? Try it now and be the judge!

6.     Improved concentration

In case you have lost your waning attention, taking a walk in a natural environment can help restore it. 

Nature has a strong attentional effect, and can even help children with ADHD, who have been found to have better concentration after walking for 20 minutes in the park by a recent study. 

Research done in 1991 tried to deplete participants' ability to focus. Some were asked to take a walk in the city, others took a stroll in nature, and the rest relaxed. When they came back, those who walked in nature scored higher marks in a proof-reading test than the others.

Therefore, if you have lost concentration in almost everything surrounding your life, go to the park, interact with nature, and experience the magic!

7.     Nature has possible anti-cancer effects

Even though the study meant to prove this fact is still in its early stages, preliminary reports show that spending time in a natural environment, especially forests enhance the production of anti-cancer proteins, which last for up to seven days. 

Another study in Japan shows that areas with a wide forest cover have lower death rates from different types of cancers. 

Even though there is no enough evidence supporting this assertion, it doesn't hurt to try. Head out for the woods, and who knows - you might reduce your chances of acquiring this deadly disease. 

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for one of the most inspiring ways to improve your life, try walking in nature. Whether you make it your weekend hobby or incorporate it in your daily routine, you can convert it into a practice that can help you live a happy, healthy lifestyle. Good luck!