Engaging in outdoor recreation is incredibly fun, but more importantly, it’s beneficial for your body, brain, and mind. Why should we connect with Mother Nature? Here are some scientific reasons why.
1. Outdoor activities boost your energy
Feeling too tired and tempted to chug another cup of coffee for an energy boost? You might not need that caffeine — you might just need to get outside for a break. A study found that spending 20 minutes in an outdoor green space can recharge your brain as effectively as a shot of Starbucks.
2. It's easier to work out outdoors
Ever felt like exercising outside is easier than working out indoors? That may be thanks to greenery. In one small experiment, researchers had cyclists pedal while viewing green, gray, or red scenes. Those cycling in front of green landscapes reported feeling less exertion and more positive — likely suggesting that grass, trees, and other plants give you a psychological energy boost during workouts.
3. Outdoor activity is good for your vision Research also found that elementary school students who frequently played outdoors were less likely to suffer from myopia.
4. Sunlight can ease pain
One study reported that surgical patients exposed to more natural light experienced less stress and slightly less pain, which meant they required fewer painkillers.
5. Outdoor activities strengthen your immune system
Scientists believe that breathing in phytoncides — chemicals released by plants that have antimicrobial effects — can increase the number of white blood cells in our blood, helping us fight off infections and diseases.
6. Outdoor activities let you experience aromatherapy
According to science, you really should step away from your desk and take in some floral scents. Studies show that natural smells such as roses, freshly cut grass, or pine can help you feel more calm and relaxed.
7. Outdoor activities can boost creativity
Stuck with writer’s block? Ditch the laptop and head out into beautiful nature. Psychologists found that backpackers scored 50% higher on creativity tests than those who stayed indoors.
8. Outdoor exercise can help improve seasonal affective disorder
During winter, shorter days and weaker sunlight can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD — a recurring condition that causes anxiety, fatigue, sadness, and more. Doctors say spending more time outdoors can reduce the risk of SAD — even on cold or cloudy days.
9. Outdoor activities provide your daily dose of vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for healthy bodily function. It helps us absorb calcium, protects against osteoporosis, and prevents inflammation, among other benefits. Although you can get vitamin D from foods like salmon and fortified milk, simply being in the sun provides up to 90% of the vitamin D we need daily.
10. Outdoor exercise helps restore your focus
Feeling unable to concentrate at work? Take a short break from your office and go for a walk in a nearby park. Studies show that walking in a natural environment can help restore our ability to focus.
11. Outdoor activities make us better people
According to psychologists, being in nature allows us to temporarily escape from social pressures and to remember and cherish what truly matters—such as relationships, sharing, communication, and teamwork.