Your Body On Nature

Think about your favorite way to spend time in nature. Is it taking a walk through a park? Lying on the grass and looking at clouds? Smelling your neighbor’s rose bushes? No matter where you do it, breathing fresh air and looking at greenery is really good for your health. Studies show that spending just 20 to 30 minutes in nature three times a week can reduce your levels of both physical and mental stress. So read on to learn more about how nature affects your body, mind, and mood. And the next time you find yourself on a hiking trail or in a city park, remember to take it all in.

Regularly spending time in nature can improve your ability to focus and your executive functioning skills (the skills that help you get tasks done).

Research shows that people who spend time in forests have reduced blood pressure even several days later.

Studies show that people who exercise in a natural environment have reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Plants emit phytoncides, natural substances that fight against diseases. Inhaling phytoncides increases the level of immune-boosting white blood cells in your body.

Going outdoors during the day exposes you to natural light. This helps regulate your sleeping cycles and improves your ability to fall asleep at night.