For a lot of us, being outside was frequently the only antidote to the stifling physical restrictions of the pandemic. A moment on the balcony, a walk around the block – small steps often delivered big relief. Medical findings show that spending time in nature has multiple health benefits.
Studies have found that hiking in nature is a powerful health practice, affecting heart health, cognitive acuity, mood, creativity and relationships. One group of researchers concluded, “Benefits may be immediate, such as decreased blood pressure, decreased stress levels, enhanced immune system functioning and restored attention, or transpire over time, such as weight loss, decreased depression and overall wellness. “
You don’t need to exercise in nature for a positive impact on your health. Just being in nature, living near it or even viewing pictures of it can be beneficial. Spending time in nature triggers positive emotions and calms the nervous system, creating the mental capacity to cultivate more creativity, gratitude, resilience and connection.
In one study, researchers found reduced stress levels in people living near large areas of green space. In another, viewing nature from a window, on a walk or in pictures and videos led to reduced stress, easier recovery from illness, better physical well-being in elderly people, and behavioral changes that improve mood and general well-being.
According to a study published in Scientific Reports, people who spend two hours or more outdoors during the week reported being in better mental and physical health than those who didn’t go out at all. The benefits were the same across age and socio-economic groups and it didn’t matter if the experience was in a local park or open wilderness.
Many health practitioners have responded to these findings by prescribing time in nature (with or without exercise) to improve their patients’ mental and physical health, as well as their overall life expectancy. As a tool to help lower stress, decrease blood pressure, and reduce the risk of asthma, allergies, diabetes and heart disease, being in nature is a low-cost, low-risk choice for healthcare providers.