For many of us, the time we spend outside in winter is few and far between. As work, travel and home life demands our schedule there is little time left for outdoor recreation. However, we humans were not designed to be cooped up indoors for the majority of our life, in fact quite the opposite. In recent years, researchers have become more and more concerned about the effects our modern, indoor lifestyles are having on our health. The results suggest it may be more important than we think to make time for outdoor activities. More time spent in nature has actually been proven to improve well being, boosting everything from mood to life span.
Improved Cognitive Function – Short Term Memory & Focus
A 2008 study at the University of Michigan discovered that a simple scenic walk could improve short term memory function by 20%! The study consisted of two groups. The participants within each group were asked to perform a memory test before going for a short walk. One group was told to take a walk around an arboretum and the other through a busy city street. After their walks, each group then performed the memory test again and the results were quite striking! The arboretum group showed an improvement of almost 20%, while the city walk group showed almost none.
Another study at the University of California tested natures ‘restorative’ effects on concentration. The study concluded ‘evidence of greater restorative effects arising from experiences in nature’. A third study at the University of Illinois also found children with ADHD had better attention performance after a walk in the park compared to a walk in both urban and suburban environments.
Lower Risk of Early Death – Reduced Risk of Disease
When it comes to longevity, there is no hard and fast rule for getting out in nature, it’s simply a case of getting out there! A recent study published by the University of East Anglia found that spending more time in and living near to green space (urban parks, forests, undeveloped land) reduces the risk of a premature death. The study also found more time in nature can reduce the risk of certain diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. To reap the benefits of the great outdoors, there’s an endless amount of activities people of all ages and abilities can enjoy. Running, cycling, rafting, camping, caravanning all count! So why not try a new hobby or plan a weekend camping trip today?
Information Sourced From:
PubMed.gov
Sagepub.com
Businessinsider.com
Uea.ac.uk (University of East Anglia)