Live Longer By Going Outside
Not only do trees produce oxygen allowing us to breath, it seems they also assist in improving blood pressure, boosting our mental health, and increasing our longevity.
Forest bathing was developed back in 1982 when Japan deemed this concept an essential part of its national health program. Forest bathing isn’t literal - you are not required to roll around in a pile of leaves (although this can be quite fun). Forest bathing requires you to immerse yourself in the natural environment and take on the healing power of nature.
Over three decades later, much research has confirmed what the Japanese have long believed, that spending time in nature benefits our health in many ways. If you are not one for camping or hiking, even spending an hour outside near trees, plants and grass can improve your health in a number of ways.
Relieves stress
When you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, going outside simply breaks the cycle and distracts your mind from the worries at hand. Being in nature helps put things into perspective - looking at the trees, birds and sky allows us to “get out of our heads” so to speak and re-set. Studies have also shown that spending time in nature dramatically lowers our levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Experiences such as day hikes or overnight outdoor adventures are a proven form of stress relief (in saying this, I acknowledge that for some of you, just the thought of camping may increase your blood pressure rather than reduce it).
Assists in weight management
Being in nature will more than likely result in increased movement (e.g. a walk, swim, bike ride, play in the park, group training session) which assists in weight management. Going outside also removes us from the vicinity of the fridge, which can be really helpful if you are finding it difficult to control your food intake and need a distraction. If you are trying to resist the packet of chips or glass of wine, a quick walk to the park and back may be all you need to clear your head and re-focus.
Improves short term memory
There is growing evidence that both short-term and working memory can be improved by time spent outside. A study from the University of Michigan found that people who walked through a garden setting improved their results on a memory test by 20% more than those who were asked to walk along a busy city street or stay indoors. It’s thought that natural scenery and garden views calm our minds and help us focus as opposed to the chaos of urban settings.
Improves vision
A study of Australian school children found that those who lived in areas which were less populated and had greater access to nature (parks, backyards etc) had a significant reduction in their risk of becoming nearsighted as those who spent more time indoors. One of the most striking observations around the vision development in children is that it is not simply linked to activity vs. inactivity - children who spend more time playing indoor sports tend to have a greater risk of becoming nearsighted than those who play outdoor sports. This suggests that being outside in fresh air and sunlight protects growing eyes more than equal physical activity indoors.
Increases longevity
A 2016 study following 108,630 American women found that those who lived near parks, lawns, trees, and forests had significantly lower mortality rate than women living far from nature. There could be several reasons for these results. It may be that being close to nature encourages people to exercise more. Air quality is improved due to increased vegetation and less traffic. It is also understood that being close to nature has a positive effect on mental health, social engagement and wellbeing, all important factors in longevity.
Whatever the cause, we know without a doubt that getting outdoors will contribute to your health and happiness. So as we head towards summer and the holiday season, find an excuse every day to get outside and play.
By Angie Black
ANGIE BLACK
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