There is a mounting body of evidence supporting the assertion that contact with nature promotes physical and mental health and well-being.
Studies are showing….
- When we exercise outside, we tend to enjoy it more, spend more time doing it, which, in turn allow us to feel better.
- People who exercise outside report feeling more revitalised, engaged and energised than those who did it indoors.
- People are generally more active, and children, in particular, will engage in higher levels of physical activity. This reduces fatigue due to increased fitness and elevated vigour.
- This increase in movement is beneficial for bone development, increasing gross and fine motor skills, agility, and hand-eye coordination.
- Walking on uneven ground improves balance. The combination of uphill and downhill terrain strengthens core muscles, engaging us to stabilise our body.
- Time spent in natural spaces can reduce inflammation.
- Being outdoors, particularly in tree-filled environments rich in phytoncides, lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which is involved in blood pressure and immune system function.
- Inhaling phytoncides from trees and plants increases our natural killer cells, strengthening our immune system. Breathing fresh air deeply, ie longer walks, allow natural killer cells to remain at higher levels for longer periods of time.
- Exposure to nature induces relaxation, which improves sleep, creative thinking and imaginative play.
- Natural light is important for eyesight by having a role in reducing the development of myopia. Children should be outside for more than one hour a day for good eye health.
- Natural environments restore the ability to concentrate.
- Experiences of awe and wonder improve mental health and restore our attention.
- People feel less tense, angry and depressed after spending time in nature.
- People who walk in natural spaces for extended periods of time are less likely to ruminate on their problems and had less activity in the brain area linked to anxiety and depression, compared to those who walked for the same amount of time in urban areas.
- Being in natural spaces improves mental health by increasing a feeling of calm.
- Students calm down faster when listening to “nature” sounds, like birds singing and movement of water.
- Students show higher levels of classroom engagement after time spent outdoors.
- We are more likely to want to protect our environment when we develop a connection to and appreciation of the natural world.
- People are more generous after time spent in nature.
- Exposure to a smorgasbord of good bacteria in dirt improves your microbiome.
- Time in nature is linked to symptom relief for health issues like heart disease, depression, cancer, anxiety and attention disorders.
- Spending regular time in stimulating outdoor environments develops important coping skills like resilience and perseverance in children.
- Even small doses of nature make a difference.
