Spending Time in Nature

Many people spend workdays indoors under fluorescent lights and in front of their computers. They never go out of their offices during the day. When the workday finishes, they go back to their houses and spend their time either on social media or watching TV. However, many researchers suggest that it’s important to spend time outdoors since it is beneficial for our health. Let’s have a look at the details.

Walking in nature could improve your short memory. In a study which was done in the University of Michigan, students were given a brief memory test. Then, they were divided into two groups. One group took a walk around a forest and the other group took a walk down a city street. When they returned they took the test again. Those who walked among trees did 20% better than the other group.

Being outdoors has a demonstrated de-stressing effect. Scientists found out that there is a negative relationship between being outdoors in nature and stress. According to a study, a group of people were sent into the forest for camping for two days and the other group was sent to the city centre to hang out. After two days the scientists measured the stress hormone, cortisol, in those people’s bodies. It was low in the bodies who spent time in the forest. They all had fewer stress levels. On the other hand, the city group had high levels of the stress hormone.

Outdoor experience may help fight depression and anxiety. Anxiety, depression and other mental health issues may all be eased by spending some time in nature, especially when it’s combined with exercise. It was shown in a study that spending time in nature helped people who were mentally ill improve their self-esteem and mood. When they are active, their bodies start to produce the happiness hormone, serotonin. A follow-up study by the same research team found that a wide variety of mental diseases were less seen among people who lived in places close to green spaces.