Did you know that goats have accents? Thinking about spending time in nature, but aren’t sure if it’s right for you? There are numerous benefits of spending time outdoors that you might not be aware of.
In this article, explore the top reasons you should be spending time in nature. From relaxation to an outdoor school of learning, read on to discover why so many enjoy nature, and why you should too.
Table of Contents
1. Improve Memory
One of the benefits of spending time outdoors is an improvement in short-term memory. Going for a regular walk out in nature can help improve your memory.
2. Increases Vitamin D
While too much sun isn’t healthy for you, going out in the sun and receiving the right amount, can help increase your vitamin D. Head out for a 15-20 minute walk to obtain this vital nutrient. Vitamin D is important since it’s what helps keep your bones strong.
3. Clears Your Mind
One of the psychological benefits of spending time in nature is that it helps you clear your mind. If you find your mind busy and can’t clear it, a walk outside can help.
4. Helps Skin
When you go for a walk outside, it helps open up the pores in your skin to let it breathe better. There’s nothing worse than clogged pores.
5. Practice Hunting
Whether you like to hunt for your food or use practice targets, you can check out different rifle scopes. There’s a movement of people who want to live off the land more and say goodbye to grocery stores.
6. Improve Your Sleep
When you receive an improvement in your vitamin D and spend time outside, it can help improve your sleep. If you don’t notice a difference, try going for long walks, and only head back when you’re more tired.
7. Decreases Stress
The mental health benefits of being outdoors include reducing stress. One study finds that if you spend at least 10 minutes outside, it can help you reduce stress, and help you feel happier overall. No matter how busy you are make time for at least a walk outside each day.
8. Strengthens Your Immune System
When you head outside, you’re more likely to improve your immune system. Taking a walk outside can help you stay healthy and prevent different diseases.
9. Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation can cause many different diseases from depression to autoimmune disorders. Head out and walk outside to decrease the levels of inflammation in your body.
10. Less Germs
It’s easy to see that exercising outside is a cleaner option than at the gym. When you go to the gym, how much do you trust that the person before you wiped down the exercise equipment properly? You can use bodyweight to do different workouts, and still build muscles.
Exercises To Try Outside
If walking isn’t for you, you can try out different exercises while outside that’ll meet your needs. Before you begin, make sure that you do at least a 5-minute warm-up. When you’re done working out, follow-up with a cool down.
Side Leap
For side leaps, you’ll want to stand on a surface that’s flat and have your feet together. Next, while having your knees bent, hop to the right as far as you can, and land on your right foot. Repeat with the other side.
Push-Ups
If you have a park bench nearby that you can use, you can practice push-ups. First, face the park bench while standing with your hands on the seat.
Have your feet fully extended like a regular push-up before you begin. Practice push-ups and do about 12 reps.
Side Shuffle
While you stand, have your feet hip-distance apart from each other and elbows bent. Take 3 steps to your right with your left foot sliding to meet the right.
Make sure that your knees are bent after they meet, and jump up in the air. Face the opposite direction, and repeat on the other side.
Hiking
If you live near trails or parks, you can go for hikes in nature. Before you begin, make sure that you have water and a snack handy.
Next, find different trails in your area, and start out with the beginner trails that are shorter. Avoid moderate or above and longer trails. Try to start out with just a mile, and work your way up.
Swimming
For those in sunny locations, you can consider going for a swim. Swimming is a great cardio workout.
First, pick out what days you’ll be swimming, and aim for about 3 hours a week. If that’s too much, consider implementing other cardio workouts.
If you don’t know how to swim, you can check out the local YWCA/YMCA for swimming classes. Make sure that you’re comfortable swimming before you head out on your own.
Choose which level of intensity is right for you. Never overdo it and tire yourself out to the point that you’re putting yourself in harm’s way. When you’re first starting, it’s a good idea to stay in the shallow end until you build up your momentum.
To increase the intensity, you can move your body faster and swim for a longer period of time. It’s a great way to work in several areas of your body and increase your flexibility.
Swimming can also help increase your strength. To increase your resistance, you can use foam noodles or a kickboard.
Exploring the Benefits of Spending Time in Nature
Now that you’ve explored the benefits of spending time in nature you should have a better idea of why so many choose to spend time outdoors. Would you like to read more lifestyle content? For everything from business to lifestyle, check out our other articles today.
