Benefits of being outside
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EmailWhy spending time outside is good for our health.
Americans spend hours every day looking at screens. For many people, this leads to a loss of time spent outdoors. Time spent in nature has been shown to have several benefits for health including lowering stress, improving mood and even improving physical health.
Time spent outside does not have to be an intense hiking experience to count. Taking a walk even in an urban nature setting can be beneficial to our health. While there is no clear answer to how much time is the right amount spent outside, generally researchers estimate that approximately two hours per week in natural environments is enough to have significant positive effects on health and well-being.
Research shows that just having green spaces around schools promotes cognitive development in children and more green space around allows adults to improve their working memory, cognitive flexibility, and to have better control of their attention. Just getting outside and seeing nature can be the break that the child or adult brain needs to gather our thoughts. It does not have to be experienced in large chunks of time, but can be just a few minutes during the day to refresh and refocus.
Other positive effects of being in nature extend to our happiness. Researchers found that spending time connecting to nature is related to “increases in happiness, subjective well-being, positive social interactions and a sense of meaning and purpose in life.” To see these positive effects, make a connection to nature, and walk in the trees or walk in a place where we can see natural water or hear it moving.
Different seasons give us opportunities to connect with nature in different ways so try out a new way activity this season. Below are some seasonal ideas:
- Spring: Get outside and learn a bit about your local birds. Walk the nature trail paths and sidewalks to see which birds you can identify.
- Summer: Check out local beaches or try a new sport such as paddleboarding or kayaking. Many parks have rentals where you can try the sport.
- Fall: Tour a local cider mill or pumpkin patch, and take a walk in beautiful fall colors.
- Winter: Get outside and embrace the snow by walking, sledding or snowshoeing.
Remember that time spent in nature does not have to be a huge commitment in time; just two hours per week can provide positive health benefits you can feel. If you are interested in more information on mindfulness and relaxation, visit MSU Extension's Mindfulness for Better Living website.
