There are surely a lot of things that you can do to improve your mental and physical health. One of them is spending time outside. According to a review of studies conducted by Cornell University, as little as ten minutes spent in nature can affect physiological and psychological stress metrics.
Decreased Blood Pressure While Outside
10 to 30 minutes of sitting outside in a natural environment result in a significant decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels, as well as a “significant increase in parasympathetic nervous system activity. Participants in the test reported an increase in feelings of calm and security, as well as a general sense of being revitalized and restored.
These mental enhancements add up. According to Miles Richardson, Ph.D., the psychological benefits of connecting with nature include feeling good, functioning well, and having a sense that life has meaning. It was discovered that a connection to nature is associated with higher levels of personal growth and eudaimonic well-being in adults. Eudaimonic well-being is the type of happiness or contentment attained through self-actualization and a sense of purpose in a person’s life.
Gardening Can Also Improve Mental Health
During your time outside, you can try gardening as well. There are also advantages of the unseen. The beneficial bacteria that aid in our health are more prevalent in the natural environment. Researchers at the Tampere University in Finland discovered that dipping participants’ hands in soil daily for two weeks increased their gut microbial diversity, an indicator of a healthier microbiome. As more research establishes a link between gut health and mental health, this is additional positive news.
You can try hiking on a path near you, or head for the water. Are you up for some kayaking? Warmer weather means spending more time by the water. Are you a fan of meditation? Try doing it outside. There are a lot of things you can do outdoors, and these are just a few examples.