Benefits Of Exploring The Great Outdoors

Did you know that 93% of the average persons life is spent inside of a building or car? That means only 6% of their life is spent outside! We get so caught up in our jobs, cars, parties, movies, etc; that we forget about the wonder of mother nature and what we can gain from being outdoors! Here are some benefits of getting out into the great outdoors.

Photo Credit: Byron Bauer on flickr

Reduce Stress

There is something about being able to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city and truly reconnecting with mother nature. A 2009 study shows that people that take even just quick nature walks tend to have lower stress levels than those that stay indoors. A 2013 study showed that walking through more green areas can put the mind in a state of meditation. Getting outdoors reduces the stress hormone known as “cortisol” in the blood and reduces stress levels and anxiety.

Exercise

Getting outdoors gets your blood flowing. Whether you’re biking, hiking, kayaking or just walking. Taking that first step into the great outdoors is an opportunity for you to improve your physical health. Studies show that those who exercise outdoors exert more energy and burn more calories than if you were to exercise indoors.

Explore

When you get out, you get to explore new places, which makes most people feel happier and they have fun doing it! You get to meet new people, see new places, try new things. Exploring outdoors can be extremely exciting and again, can help to reduce stress and anxiety.

Vitamin D

Did you know that in 2008 “vitamin D deficiency” was dubbed a pandemic? Many people are not getting out into the sunshine enough which means they are missing out on that great stuff called vitamin D. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and more. So get out so you can stay healthy!

Improve Relationships

Getting out with loved ones and being able to have uninterrupted time to bond with each other has shown to improve your relationships. Creating memories that irreplaceable. Learning more about the ones closest to you and creating a bond that you otherwise would not really be able to without experiencing the extreme great outdoors together.

There are many more benefits to getting outside and exploring the great outdoors, its something that everyone should try to do at least a few times a month or more! Even if it is a little walk or just stepping outside your office for a moment to soak up the sun.