I grew up in a city where my walking path was mainly cement and there were few trees. I felt fortunate that our house had a backyard with green grass and a lovely vegetable garden. Even at a young age, I learned to appreciate nature and spent as much time as possible outdoors.
I have always enjoyed walking both for fitness and for pleasure and would make time for it before work, at lunchtime, or in the evenings.
It wasn’t however until I took my walks into the woods that I understood the wonders of spending time in nature.
Nature has much to offer and research shows us that even as little as two hours a week can have significant benefits for our mind, body, and spirit.
The 7 Wonders of Spending Time in Nature
- Chill out: Spending time in nature is calming, and relieves stress, and anxiety. It helps elevate depression and leaves you with a sense of well-being.
- .Improve your memory: Studies show us that time spent in and interacting with nature can improve our memory by 20% and help with concentration.
- Increase fitness: People who spend time in nature tend to be more physically fit most likely because they are engaging in some form of exercise such as hiking, biking, or walking. Exercise helps reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and helps you sleep better.
- Heart smart: Spending time outdoors in nature lowers your risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. People who spend more time in nature tend to have lower blood pressure, lower cortisol levels, and a lower pulse than those that spend more time indoors.
- It will make you happy! Nature increases our endorphin levels and dopamine production which promotes happiness! I can be in a completely foul mood and within ten minutes of entering a wooded area, I can feel the weight of what was bothering me lift off my shoulders. By the end of my visit, my mood is completely altered for the better.
- Pain management: Spending time in nature means you will increase your Vitamin D levels. Studies show that Vitamin D can lower patients affected with chronic widespread pain.
- Can you hear that? When you stroll through nature, it’s best to leave your earbuds behind and tune into the sounds of nature. The gentle sounds of birds singing, babbling brooks, and the wind rustling through the trees affects our bodily system that controls our flight and fight response.
If your schedule allows little wiggle room for frequent visits to nature, here are a few ideas that might work:
-The next time you want to catch up with a friend, suggest a walk in the park instead of meeting for a cup of coffee. You can walk and talk and leave feeling refreshed. (and get your steps in)
-No one to walk with? Form your own walking or hiking group. You can create a private group for free on Facebook and add friends. It is a great way to meet new people and experience nature at the same time.
-Take your lunch break outside if you can. Even if you are not surrounded by trees, you still will reap the benefits of being outdoors.
-Create your own backyard, deck, or patio oasis. Get creative! You do not need to have a large piece of property, work with what you have and add flowers and plants that you love.
I have a deep love and appreciation of nature and am fortunate enough to live near a Metropark. I visit several times a week for a walk or a hike. It is not only my go-to place for exercise, I seek solace there when I am anxious or stressed.
Recently, I formed a hiking group for women and created a private page on Facebook as I mentioned above. I had wanted a way to connect with other women, make new friends, and share my love of spending time outdoors. I started it by inviting my friends and encouraged them to invite women they knew that might enjoy our outings. We hike beautiful trails while sharing ideas, laughing, and simply enjoying being outdoors. It becomes a great adventure that we look forward to each week.
I love hearing from you! If this article has been helpful or you have a nature experience to share, please reach out.
Happy Trails!
