Research shows multiple health benefits of spending time outside
Spring has sprung, temps are rising, days are longer…
As summer approaches, we are invited to spend more time outdoors and the whispers of winter blues start to vanish. Our bodies become more active, we’re probably eating healthier than we did in the colder months, and the alluring smells of summer bring physical and mental benefits.
For this message from me to you, the inspiration lies in sharing my love for the outdoors and why we all need to be going outside more for our health with researched evidence. This motivation not only stems from realizing the effects nature has on us physically and mentally but also finally starting to read the book Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants, written by botanist, scientist and decorated professor of Native American descent, Robin Wall Kimmerer. This book should be required reading in high school and has started deepening my adoration for all things natural.
And, guess what?! You can now schedule our first free consultation super easy online. Follow this link to pick a date, time and how you’d like to meet.Topics I have been covering with clients during our one-on-one sessions include:
Incorporating rituals into morning routines for lasting energy all day and better sleep at night.
Figuring out fail-safe ways to have self-care time as a new mom.
Becoming more mindful of eating healthy and exercising for weight loss and mental health.
And more!
The earth, the first among good mothers, gives us the gift that we cannot provide to ourselves. I hadn’t realized that I had come to the lake and said “feed me”, but my empty heart was fed. I had a good mother. She gives what we need without being asked. I wonder if she gets tired, old Mother Earth. Or if she too is fed by the giving.
- Excerpt from Braiding Sweetgrass written by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Research shows that spending time outside improves mental and physical health.
I’ve been starting to see more and more articles on the topic of what we all sort of know intuitively - going outside has major health & wellness benefits. The significance of this is crucial considering we as humans have become less and less connected with the earth, however let’s highlight some physical and mental benefits of being outside more.
Benefits of spending time in nature:
Lowered blood pressure.
Strengthened immune system response.
Energy boost.
Mood enhancing, in more ways than one.
Cognitive benefits for children.
Plus, breathing while outside in different ecosystems is one way to help populate our gut microbiome with good bacteria.
With evidence supporting benefits through these methods:
1. Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku, Japanese origin 1980s): Taking in the atmosphere of the forest.
In this article on Pub Med it is stated that after spending time in nature, “Brain activity in the prefrontal cortex as well as cortisol levels (stress) was significantly lower in the group of people who observed and walked in the forest rather than those who were in the city. This shows that there are physiological effects of calm and stress relief involved in being in nature.”
2. Walking Barefoot, aka Grounding.
Our feet draws electrons from the earth! The connection of this direct charge works to our advantage. Walking barefoot not only feels amazing, but has benefits ranging from reducing stress to improving immune function to increasing antioxidants in order to reduce inflammation, and more.
3. Growing interest in the space of Ecotherapy.
Ecotherapy promotes spending time in nature to reduce stress and improve mood as a form of therapy. This article from Harvard Medical School again found less activity in the prefrontal cortex (where we have repetitive negative thoughts) after spending time outside. Hanging out in nature and listening to nature sounds has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol and lower blood pressure - activating the parasympathetic nervous system for rest and recovery.
How much does the doctor prescribe? “Anything from 20 to 30 minutes, three days a week, to regular three-day weekends in the woods is helpful,” says the doctor feature in this Harvard article. With the goal being to get away from stimulating urban settings.
Best yet, schedule our free consultation for when you can be outside!Most of my clients take walks while we have our sessions over the phone which is the coolest!
Who will benefit from more time outside?
Those who experience heightened stress.
If you have had a recent loss of a loved one.
Those who experience mild feelings of isolation, anxiety, and/or depression.
If you feel like there is no sense of calm.
Everyone.
How can you increase your time spent outside?
Schedule friend/family hangs or dates outside.
Dine al fresco.
Take intermittent working from home breaks outside.
Exercise outside.
Take phone calls and zoom meetings outside.
Set up a hang out space in your yard or on your porch.
Volunteer with a public park.
How can we bring the inside in for nature’s benefits?
Open the windows and doors to let the light and air in.
Watch nature documentaries. Have you seen Kiss The Ground on Netflix yet?
Listen to nature sounds.
Take a bath, embrace your time in the water.
House plants!
The point here is to incorporate nature as much as possible in your daily life in order for it to become a norm!
