Man Hiking on Trail
There has been an ever growing trend of people spending more time inside than out in nature and moving around. Some say this is causing a slew of mental health illnesses for the general public. So what are the benefits of being outside in nature? Is it really as important as everyone makes it out to be? This article will break down exactly what being outside does to your body and brain, and why it is good for you.
What it can do for your mental health
City Greenspace
It has been proven in plenty of studies that the benefits of being in nature includes improved mental health. This study shows that children who were exposed to the least residential green spaces have a 55% increase risk of developing psychiatric disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse and eating disorders. These kids show elevated stress levels due to urban noises. Kids are more susceptible to stress, however this can be applied to any human, despite the age.
Not only does green space decrease mental illnesses, but it increases cognitive function. These studies have shown that green spaces near schools improve cognitive functioning children by increasing attention, working memory, and self control behaviors. Those who grow up in more urban areas with little to no greenspace show a decrease in all of these categories. We are creatures intuitively connected to nature and our brains are wired to pick up cues from the world around us. These studies prove how simply being surrounded by the natural environment can improve the brain’s health and function.
One good example you can try yourself is listening to bird song while you are outdoors. If you feel calm and tranquil, you’re not alone. Ancient humans may have associated birdsong with abundance of resources and a sense of safety. Birds go silent when there is a threat nearby, so it’s theorized that when we hear bird song, it’s an instinct telling us we are safe or near valuable resources such as food and water. Hearing these sounds decreases stress and negative emotions such as anger or loneliness.
Walking in Nature
Walking alone has so many physical and mental benefits for the body. It is one of the easiest forms of low impact exercise with a decreased risk of injury. Besides being good for the body, walking is great for the brain. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a method used to work through mental health issues such as PTSD or anxiety. It involves rapid eye movement while recalling a traumatic situation and is designed to desensitize the brain to this memory. This can also help with overthinking! While walking, the eyes naturally move side to side, mimicking this EMDR treatment naturally.
Walking, or any other body movement has shown a 60% increase in creative energy in comparison to being stationary. Stanford researchers found that the environment did not matter, it was more the movement of walking that showed this benefit. This is why some people pace naturally while they are on a phone call. Walking improves daytime function, but also makes for a deeper and higher quality sleep. This creates an elevated cognition, focus, and memory, since rest is critical for the brain. There is also an increase in body function, such as improved cardiovascular health, increased bone density, reduction of excess body fat and strengthened muscles and improved endurance.
Why Go Outside?
Being out in nature feeds us a sense of tranquility and calm, which helps eliminates stress and improves mental health. It makes us feel more connected to the natural environment and can even be a fun way to socialize with friends and keep the body fit. The benefits of being in nature are extensive, but walking in general improves both the mental and physical. It is a low impact workout that improves the heart, bones, and muscles. There has been a noticed increase in creative power while walking. When combined with walking in nature, the natural rapid eye movement that occurs can help people think through difficult and sometimes traumatizing scenarios, aiding those with anxiety and PTSD. There are many health benefits to being outside, and with endless outdoor activities, why not take a venture into nature? Check out this article to get starting on foraging, an enriching outdoor activity!