According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American spends 93% of their life indoors. That number might sound staggering (and it is!), but it shouldn’t be surprising. People are working more than ever, and spending free time on digital devices and indoor entertainment.

But, there are some drawbacks to consider from spending too much time inside –  especially if most of that time is sedentary. You could be doing physical harm to your body by putting too much pressure on your spine. Too much time indoors can also affect your mood, increase anxiety, and cause you to have trouble sleeping.

Needless to say, one of the best things you can do for your mind and body is to spend more time outdoors. Reconnecting with nature has many benefits and can help you heal your inner in a freeing, peaceful, natural way.

Everyone has a busy schedule. You might feel swamped with work, or keeping things organized at home. But, by making time for yourself and actively choosing to spend more time in nature, you can achieve a more fulfilling life with better mental health and a greater sense of inner tranquillity.

Why Should You Connect With Nature?

Being outdoors is therapeutic in many ways. Think about how nice it sounds to be able to spend some time near a relaxing pond, or sitting on a bench in a quiet park. There’s a reason many relaxation fantasies involve being outside, whether it’s laying on a beach or hiking in the woods. Our minds and bodies want to be outdoors more than we typically realize. So, when you decide to spend more time in nature, your body will naturally respond positively. You’ll experience better brain function and memory. You’ll boost your creativity and problem-solving skills. Simply put, being outside can clear your head. Even in the middle of a gruelling workday, that can make a big difference.

From a physical standpoint, the benefits seem nearly endless. Some of them include:

• Increased energy
• Reduced muscle tension
• Lower blood pressure
• Lower heart rate
• Improved cholesterol levels

Nature can even benefit your spirituality.

When your mind is clear and you feel good, you’ll be able to heal your inner self. You won’t be distracted by the chaos of the day when it’s just you and the great outdoors. So, not only will you feel connected to your surroundings, but you might end up feeling more in-tune with yourself and your beliefs than you have in a very long time.

Impactful Mental Health Benefits

Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health conditions across the globe, impacting millions of people in the U.S., alone. While talking to a therapist is one of the best ways to manage your mental health, there are things you can do each day on your own to keep it in check.

Spending time outdoors is one of them.

There have been multiple studies regarding the positive mental health effects of being outside. Some of the most common benefits people experience include:

• Reduced stress
• Improved mood
• Greater self-esteem
• Less anxiety
• Restorative sense of calm

Nature can actually reduce the number of stress hormones your body produces, making you feel more relaxed and happier. If you have anxiety or depression, those benefits can take care of symptoms from both, whether you need an energy boost from feeling fatigued or a moment of calm to escape your worrying thoughts.

It can take a bit of effort and motivation to take those first few steps out the door. If you have depression, for example, you might be dealing with a lack of motivation. You might not enjoy things you used to. But, when you know how effective the healing power of nature can be, you can use that as your ultimate motivator to take control of your life again and to find enjoyment in little, everyday things.

Even if you don’t have a mental health condition, it’s never a bad idea to make your mental well-being a priority by practicing self-care. Spending time outdoors is a great way to do that, even if it’s only for a few minutes each day.

How Can You Spend More Time Outdoors?

There are no right or wrong answers when it comes to spending more time outside.  The most important thing is to spend your time doing something you enjoy.

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in nature is by hiking. Whether you head up a mountain trail on a vacation, enjoy an early-morning sunrise, or even try out local hiking trails in your neighbourhood, it’s beneficial. Plus, you’ll get the added mental and physical health bonus of exercising.

Hiking often coincides with camping, which is another great way to spend more time outside. Spending a night or two beneath the stars will give you a greater appreciation for nature and everything it has to offer.

If you don’t want to be active outdoors, that’s okay too. You can still reap the benefits of spending time in nature – perhaps even more so if you really want to feel more connected.

For example, sitting outside and meditating or practicing mindfulness is a great way to feel connected with the world around you, as well as your inner self. The next time you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, consider going outside for a few moments to take some deep breaths and clear your mind. You might be surprised by how effective it is.

Taking pictures outside is another great way to boost your connection with the great outdoors while appreciating its natural beauty. You don’t have to be a professional photographer to capture the wonders of the world around you. Taking pictures or journaling about your outdoor experiences is a great way to express yourself creatively while managing your stress levels.

Whether you’re interested in healing your inner self from a physical, mental, or spiritual standpoint, it doesn’t get much better than spending time outside. It’s one of the easiest ways to recenter yourself while growing an appreciation for the natural world.

About the author:

Frankie Wallace is a freelance writer from the Pacific Northwest. She writes about a variety of topics, and spends most of her free time in her garden. 

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Submitted Exclusively to CrystalWind.ca by Frankie Wallace © 2021 crystalwind.ca

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