That feeling of bliss that washes over you when you “get away from it all” isn’t just in your head. Spending time in the great outdoors has been scientifically proven to reduce stress levels, help you find clarity, and rejuvenate your mind and body. There is a need to go back to our ancient time when nature was a part of our lifestyle. Here’s how: 1. Vitamin D Helps Your Body Function More Efficiently Going outside to “get some vitamin D” has become something of a refrain. Kids and adults spend most of their time with screens. 2. Natural Light Normalizes Your Sleep Schedule Sunlight can also help you feel refreshed and relaxed by helping regulate your body’s melatonin production. Melatonin is a hormone that controls your body’s internal clock (basically, it makes you sleepy). The melatonin-producing part of your brain (the pineal gland) is directly affected by access to light—it remains inactive during the day and is switched on when darkness sets in. The right amount of melatonin ensures you have a good night’s sleep—and wake feeling rejuvenated. 3. Being in Nature Causes You to Unplug Multi-tasking, particularly with electronic devices, is a leading cause of stress. Going out in nature helps you fully unwind.
4. A Natural Environment Helps You Center Your Mind Leaving your devices behind and heading out into nature can also be calming . By centering your mind, you can relax your body. 5. It Gives Your Brain the Downtime It Needs to Recharge 6. It Lowers Stress Hormone Levels Spending time in nature and performing repetitive tasks such as gardening can fight stress better than other leisure activities. 7. Fresh Air Improves Blood Pressure In polluted or indoor environments, the body has to work harder to get the oxygen it needs to function. This raises your heart rate and blood pressure. 8. Breathing is Your Body's Built-In Stress Buster Research shows that breathing techniques have the ability to dampen the production of stress hormones as well as train your body's reaction to stressful situations. Rapid breathing engages your body's sympathetic nervous system (or, your "fight or flight" response), which is activated by stress and works to energize the body. Slow, deep breathing—the kind encouraged by the great outdoors—stimulates the body's parasympathetic reaction, which calms us down. By stopping to smell the roses, you can put the brake on your body's natural stress response and chill out a bit.
9. Oxygen Affects Your Sense of Well-being Levels of oxygen in your brain are tied to levels of serotonin, the neurotransmitter that affects your mood, appetite, memory, social behaviour, and other processes. Too much serotonin and you can become irritable and tense, but too little serotonin and you can become depressed. Breathing fresh air can therefore help regulate your levels of serotonin and promote happiness and well-being. 10. Bacteria in Soil Also Boosts Your Serotonin Levels Nature’s calming effect comes from not only the fresh air, but also the ground. Harmless bacteria commonly found in soil, can act as a natural antidepressant by increasing the release and metabolism of serotonin in parts of the brain that control cognitive function and moods. Kids are prone to allergies these days because they are always in airconditioned environments and are not exposed to pollens and dust leading to low immunity levels. 11. Physical Activity Pumps Up Your Endorphins The exercise that generally goes hand-in-hand with spending time out of doors (hiking, biking, water activities) spurs the production of endorphins, your brain’s “feel-good” neurotransmitters—this is the sensation often referred to as a “runner’s high.” With increased endorphin levels, you’ll feel loose, clear-headed, and calm. Good for nature ,good for you . Its reciprocal relationship because as important nature has been for our health and happiness, our interaction with the natural world is also important for protecting nature and environment.
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