The Power of Time Spent Outdoors

We all know the feeling of emerging from the indoors after a long day and taking a deep breath of fresh air. But what if there was something more to the simple act of being outside? It turns out that there is – time spent outdoors has the power to boost physical and emotional strength. Whether it’s taking a stroll through the park or a hike through the mountains, spending time in nature has a wide range of benefits for the mind and body. In this blog post, we’ll explore the power of time spent outdoors and how it can help you improve your well-being.

Did you know that over 50% of Americans report feeling stressed daily? Getting some time outdoors for just 20-30 minutes has been proven to reduce your stress level. For even just a few minutes outside, cortisol levels can decrease, which are the chemicals your body creates that cause stress.

If the time spent outdoors makes us feel good, why do so many people neglect it? One way to ensure outdoor activities become part of your routine is to make a plan and schedule time every day or week. Whether it’s biking around town, gardening in your backyard, or going on a hike, it’s important to find an activity that brings joy and relaxation.

Among the benefits of spending time outdoors are that it boosts your mood, and the fresh air increases your serotonin levels in the brain by raising oxygen levels.

The outdoors also stimulates physical activity; you can walk, hike, or even garden to get more exercise.

Additionally, being out in nature has proven to have a calming effect on people. The natural environment around us reduces stress and helps us better manage anxiety and depression. According to Harvard Medical School’s Dr. John J. Ratey, “Being in nature will reduce blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones—all this from just 15 minutes of exposure” (Harvard Health Publishing). This evidence implies that those who spend more time outdoors may have better emotional health than those who do not.

“Get your butts outside to help the world become a little calmer”