May 19, 2019

Nature – The Best Medicine

Nature is a key, foundational element in our lives. It provides us with everything we need to live – air, water, and food – so our survival is literally dependent on it.

As humans, being in nature is ingrained in our DNA in a way. Our ancestors were forced to get outside in order to survive. They had to hunt for food, gather plants for medicine, and walk to get clean water. It is natural for us to feel a tie to the great outdoors because of this.

Getting out in nature provides more than just these foundational elements, though. It provides a whole list of other health (mental and physical) benefits, too! It is the perfect example of a mind, body, and planet connection!

The physical benefits of getting out in nature are pretty obvious.

Most of the activities we do when we are outdoors – riding a bike, gardening, hiking, or pushing our kids on the swing – involve some level of physical activity. Just being outside actually causes us to become more naturally active. There are not as many temptations (video games, comfy couches, tvs) causing us to be sedentary outside as there are indoors, so we are almost forced to keep moving in some way.

All of this physical activity really adds up and helps keep our bodies working like they should. (Read more about the benefits of moving more here) Many of the activities we do outdoors we actually enjoy, so we are more likely to keep doing them which leads to more consistent exercise.

Being outside more also leads to an increase of vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for many vital functions within our bodies, particularly bone health/development and our immune systems. It has been shown to play a role in preventing some chronic illnesses like heart disease and some cancers, too. There aren’t many foods that can provide our vitamin D requirements and we have to supplement in order to get the recommended amount. Luckily, one easy source of vitamin D is sunshine! (1) Just be careful that you don’t spend too much time in the sun without proper protection.

Getting more time outside is especially important if you have children. It is estimated that the average American child spends five to eight hours a day in front of a screen. (2) All of this screen time results in less physical activity and increased risk for a whole list of health issues (mental and physical)! Getting outside as a family will eliminate the time kids may otherwise be sitting in front of a TV and computer and build a healthy foundation for them to continue to get outside more as they get older.

Some studies have also shown that getting outside reduces our risk of type II diabetes and leads to reduced blood pressure and heart rates. The exposure to a wide range of different bacteria may also have benefits for the immune system and reduce inflammation. (4)

Nature has a profound impact on our mental health, too. I argue that it actually has an even greater impact on our minds than our bodies!

Think about it – how many times have you stepped outside on what was a terrible day and the warmth from the sun instantly changes your mood to a more positive one? Or how many of you go on hikes “just to get away from it all”?

There is a long list of scientific studies showing the positive effects nature has on our mental health. For example, a recent study from UEA’s Norwich Medical School found that exposure to green space resulted in a decreased level of salivary cortisol – which is a physiological marker of stress. (4) I can see this in my own mind when I go outside after a stressful day – the stress and anxiety seem to just melt away.

Getting out in nature is meditative in itself. We tend to focus on the beauty around us instead of all of the problems or tasks going on in our lives. In a way, it helps us clear our mind (which helps reduce stress!) leading to increased concentration and focus. Some of my best ideas have come while I was taking a walk or sitting in nature.

Nature tends to increase our connection to our friends and family. An apartment complex with a green space gives more tenants the opportunity to engage in outdoor activities. Since these areas are typically open to all residents, there is more interaction among neighbors resulting in new and stronger relationships. Camping is another great example. Many times we don’t have the distractions of phones and TV when we are out in the wilderness. This forces us to interact with the people we are with in the present moment. Some of my most intimate conversations and deepest laughter has been around a campfire.

Our connection to nature is also increased by just being out in it, especially when we feel all of the benefits it provides. This leads to a deeper appreciation for the environment around us and fosters a greater want to protect it.

All of these benefits (and many more) are most apparent in our children. Nature supports development in all areas of the brain – intellectually, emotionally, socially, spiritually, and physically. There are no video games or toys that can do all of this like nature can. It also results in greater cognitive abilities, enhances academic performance, supports creativity, and improves eyesight. (5)

Studies have shown that getting out in nature can actually reduce symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. One study in particular found that a child that was clinically diagnosed with ADHA showed reduced symptoms after engaging in activities located in a “greener” (or more natural outdoor) setting. (6)

I have noticed that kids just generally like being outside – if you give them the chance to be. Of course a child who is used to just sitting inside all the time playing video games may not choose to get outside that often. This is most likely due to the fact that they haven’t been feeling the benefits that outdoors bring. Moral of the story is – get your kids outside! AND go outside WITH them!

Being outside tends to just make us happier in general. I saw an example of this in my own life recently that showed me how powerful nature can be. A few years ago I lost my grandfather to dementia. It was an extremely difficult loss for me and the rest of my family. He was a wonderful man who was (and still is) loved by many. One of his favorite things to do while he was alive was to walk around a park near his house. A few days after his passing, we gathered at the park and took a few laps around the gravel trail. While there was still sadness in our hearts – it was a different kind of sadness while retracing his steps. It was almost a happy sadness. I felt an overall feeling of positivity as we reminisced and laughed together. Nature has a way of pulling us towards a more positive light – even in the darkest of times.

Since then, I have often resorted to heading outside in times of sadness and difficulty. Nature never seems to disappoint and I feel instant happiness and relief.

This tie to our mental and physical health makes getting out in nature an essential addition to the ways to leave a positive footprint.

Even with these tremendous benefits though, many of us spend most of our day to day lives not even interacting with the outdoors. It was determined that Americans actually spend 90 percent of their time indoors on average! (3)

All of this time indoors is having serious effects on our health. We tend to be less active when we are inside which may be contributing to the higher cases of obesity and chronic illnesses we are seeing today. It has also been shown that the air quality indoors may actually be more polluted than the air outside. (7) If we are spending our days inside watching Netflix, we are missing out on time with our families and friends building relationships. This could lead to increased loneliness, lowered self esteem, and depression.