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Studies show that the environment we are in can influence our mental state and in turn our overall well-being.  Spending time outdoors in an open green space or amongst nature can have significant health benefits according to scientific studies.  Such benefits include lowering of blood pressure and levels of the stress hormone cortisol.  This post looks at The Therapeutic Benefits of Being Outdoors and shows you why you need to make the most of your garden, local parks, and other larger open green spaces and forests.

The Therapeutic Benefits of Being Outdoors

Benefits to Mental Health

The Therapeutic Benefits of Being Outdoors vary. Spending time outdoors can affect our emotional and physical state.  Studies have shown positive benefits in subjects spending time in green open spaces.  It’s a great excuse to spend more time outdoors enjoying nature especially if you suffer from anxiety or depression.  Being outdoors allows the mind to unwind, lowers overall stress levels, and improves mood.

SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder

SAD is a form of depression. It manifests most in the winter due to the reduced light.  Suffers experience a loss of interest in things they once enjoyed, feeling sad, low, tearful, worthless, irritability, lethargy etc.  Spending time outdoors during the day can help reduce the severity of these symptoms and can be as simple as sitting in a garden.  Regular exercise during the day is advised as it can help reduce symptoms. For other tips on how to cope with Seasonal Affective Disorder straight from a Psychotherapist, check out The Awareness Centre’s detailed post.

But, How Does it Do This?

It is thought that the reduced exposure to sunlight during winter and autumn affects the hypothalamus (part of the brain) which has a knock-on effect.  Seratonin is a hormone that is thought to affect our mood.  There is a link between low levels of this hormone and feeling depressed.  Our body clock is also affected by reduced light over winter.  We are not woken up by natural sunlight and the result is a disturbance in the natural body clock and therefore symptoms of SAD.  There is a disruption of melatonin production during winter months leading to higher levels and an increased feeling of tiredness.  The obvious answer, increase exposure to daylight which will increase the production of serotonin and reduce the production of melatonin and result in reduced symptoms of SAD.

Physical Benefits

As well as relaxing the mind and reducing stress, exposure to green spaces can reduce the risk of conditions such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes according to the University of East Anglia.  Elsewhere, it has also been shown that getting children outdoors often can protect them from developing nearsightedness although it does not slow down the progression. Daily exposure of 2 hours a day may have preventative measures.  Those living in greener areas or with high exposure to green space will often have good general health.

Vitamin D

This vitamin isn’t found in high levels in the food we eat.  Our bodies produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.  It’s necessary to help promote healthy bone growth, it has antiviral effects especially when it comes to enveloped viruses.  Intake of this vitamin is protective against heart disease and high blood pressure.  It also reduces the risk of diabetes, some cancers and also multiple sclerosis.

Fresh Air

We don’t really think about chemical build-up within the home.  At times your home can contain more toxic chemicals than the air outside?  It’s important to get those windows open and get that fresh air in over the summer and winter.  Of course, getting outside can also mean you get fresh air depending on where you go.  Try to get out even for a little each day to a nice green area, even a local park will do if you don’t have a garden or use of a communal garden.  This will increase your oxygen intake, boost serotonin and make you feel happier.

The Sound of Nature

Would you believe the meer sound of the outdoors, think birds singing, crickets, leaves rustling, running water can have an incredibly calming effect on the mind. Many will find the sounds soothing. They help relax the mind and reduce stress levels.

The Smell of Nature

Who doesn’t love aromatherapy!  There is plenty of scientific research to show that aromatherapy has a therapeutic effect on the mind.  The smell of nature, think fir trees, flowers, etc rather than those from a local dairy farm has been shown to lower psychological stress.  They can also improve memory, ease anxiety and depression, boost confidence and more.

Forest Bathing

This is a popular therapy in Japan and one that can reduce stress and promote mindfulness.  It’s simply “absorbing the forest atmosphere”. A study showed that spending time amongst trees promotes lower concentrations of the stress-producing hormone cortisol, therefore, reducing stress levels, elevating the mood, improves sleep, energy levels, and reducing blood pressure.

In addition, being in natural areas promotes exposure to a diverse range of bacteria which has positive benefits to the immune system.  Japanese research shows that organic chemical compounds released by trees called phytoncides might be the reason for the health boost often experienced by those that take part in forest bathing.  The reason for this is that these chemicals have antibacterial properties.

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Boosting of Children’s Immunity

Kids love getting to go outside and play and many parents will encourage this.  Playing outside exposes children to different things that will help them build up a natural resistance.  Those brought up in a clean environment with no exposure to any infective materials and not allowed to play outdoors will be more susceptible to infection.

To Summarise

It’s highly beneficial to make use of outdoor spaces and get yourself and your family outdoors as often as possible.  There are marked health benefits in spending time outdoors so grab the kids or partner and head outside to enjoy the best nature has to offer.

Were you aware of The Therapeutic Benefits of Being Outdoors? How often do you get to go outside and explore and enjoy nature?

Other Posts You Might Like:

https://melaniesfabfinds.co.uk/household/extending-your-living-area-outdoors/

https://melaniesfabfinds.co.uk/beauty/fun-outdoors-exercise-ideas/

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