The TRUE Impact of Getting Outside
There’s a reason why the National Great Outdoors Month exists. The month raises awareness to how accessible nature is to each of us, and how we can better enjoy it. By being in nature and visiting our historic landmarks, rivers, forests and parks, we not only learn more about our history, but are better rooted in our communities.
Still on the fence? Here are 4 lesser-known facts you might not know for why getting outside more often is good for you.
1. You Live Longer
Living close to nature and getting outside has been linked to living longer. Researchers followed more than 108,000 women and found that the women living in the greenest areas had a 12% lower death rate. Get out and smell those greens!
2. Boosts Short-Term Memory
University of Michigan researchers found a direct link to improving memory and attention after an activity as simple as walking in a park or even looking at pictures of nature. In their study, memory was improved by 20% after people spent time outdoors. Try playing sudoku next time you’re in nature!
3. Creativity Jumpstart
It takes as little as 25 minutes outside to get a natural creativity and cognitive boost, according to a 2013 study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Another study monitored participants who were immersed in nature for as long as four days and found their problem-solving skills increased by 50%. Next time you’ve got a conundrum? Take a walk!
4. Natural Painkiller
Researchers found that patients who spent time outside or who were in a sunnier hospital room exposed to natural sunlight recovered faster from surgery and reported less stress and pain overall. Who knew sun bathing could be such a health booster?
The health benefits to getting outside don’t stop here. Exposure to sunlight and nature has been proven to boost mood, help with sleep, increase vitamin D, keep illness at bay and improve immunity. Scientists suggest getting outside in nature for at least 120 minutes a week to soak up all the health benefits – for ease, break this up into 20 minutes a day.
See you outside!
