Summer’s here and it´s time to get
outside! Not only for all that fun and
sun- but to enjoy all that nature has to offer to our overall Health and
Wellness. Spending time in nature (just
20 minutes a day!) can benefit all areas of our health- in ways you may not
have thought of!
According
to the article “The influence of urban green environments on stress relief
measures: A field experiment”. (Journal of Environmental Psychology, Volume 38,
June 2014, Pages 1-9), the authors found that, subjects’ perceived stress was
less after spending time in green environments- even after a short time! This is good news for those of us on the
run! They also found decreased levels of
cortisol, a stress- reaction hormone, in subjects who spent time in green
environments. Chronic stress can cause
an imbalance of cortisol levels which can affect heart rate, blood pressure,
blood sugar balance and sleep patterns (that can affect mood and therefore our relationships
with family and friends). High levels of
cortisol, over time, are associated with a cloudy-headed feeling, impaired
cognitive function (can affect school/work tasks), decreased muscle mass and
slow wound healing (not good for preventing injury and illness!). Who wants that???
Harvard
Health Letter reports that getting outside may prove to have many health benefits
including:
è Higher vitamin D levels which helps to prevent illness.
è You’re normally more physically active outside.
è You´ll be happy! Light tends to elevate people’s mood- you’ll feel and
BE nicer to those around you!
è You´ll be able to concentrate better. Studies have found that kids with Attention
Deficit Disorder concentrate better after a walk in a green area.
è You may heal faster. The University
of Pittsburgh has reported quicker recoveries and less need for pain medication
in spinal surgery patients who were exposed to natural light.
SO?
What are you waiting for?? GET
OUTSIDE! FOR YOUR OWN GOOD!
