Think back to when you were a child, and you might remember your mom or dad always telling you to go outside and play – that it would be better for you to get some fresh air instead of being stuck inside watching TV or reading a book (although these things definitely have their place). Your parents were correct; the outside world is beneficial to you, and here are the reasons why.
Reducing Stress
Stress is common in today’s society, and it has a significant negative impact on our physical, emotional, and mental health. It makes sense to try to reduce stress as much as possible, and one of the simplest ways to do so is to go for a walk in nature. This could be as simple as a stroll through a forest or even around the block, or it could be something more adventurous.
Whatever you do and however you do it, going outside will make you feel a lot better and allow you to think more clearly about anything that’s bothering you, whether at work or at home.
Increased Creativity
Creativity is something that can easily be lost when we are all so focused on completing each job and task that needs to be done, using up all our time and not allowing any brain power or hours in the day left for creative activities. This is unfortunate because being creative – such as writing, drawing, painting, singing, and so on – can also help to relieve stress which, as we’ve already said, is an important thing to try to do.
Getting out into nature allows our brains to think differently, and studies have shown that when people return to their daily lives, they are much more creative than they were before they went for a walk or went camping or went hunting with their dog. This leads to a more productive and joyful life in general.
Pay Attention To Nature
There’s something about the sounds of nature that makes us feel secure and safe. Birdsong is a prime example of this – it’s reassuring to walk along and hear birdsong, and when we do, our serotonin levels rise, making us feel good about pretty much everything. A short walk in the right place will provide us with the sounds we need to feel happy.
Even making changes in your own backyard can have the same effect. Planting new flowers, engaging experts in tree lopping, mowing the lawn, or installing a pond will all give you something to pay attention to and enjoy. Plus, the finished result will be lovely.
Nature’s Smell
Nature not only sounds good, but it also smells good. Smell is the sense most closely associated with our memories, and it aids in the processing of emotions. When we inhale a scent, it has an immediate and profound effect on us. Nature’s scents, such as freshly cut grass or the earth after a rain, can instantly transport us to a happier time, and this can boost our mood for hours or even days without us even realizing it.
Nature Has Regenerative Properties
According to studies, hospital rooms with a view of trees offer faster recovery times than those with a view of the city or no view at all. Nature and our bodies can communicate with one another, promoting faster healing and making us feel much better.
