the great outdoors

According to research, the e ect of nature on one’s mental and physical health is worth going outside for.

A recent study from scientists at the Harvard Chan School’s Department of Epidemiology, linked the benefits of nature, namely for women, to longevity. After a survey of more than 108,000 women, investigators concluded that the subjects who lived in areas with dense vegetation had a 12 percent lower death rate than women who were not surrounded by as much greenery.

Not yet convinced? Here are a few more of nature’s promising benefits.

STRESS. Various researchers have found a decreased heart rate and lower levels of cortisol in those who live in rural areas, opposed to those living in cities. Tree therapy? It’s a thing.

DEPRESSION. Endorphins are chemicals released in our bodies that contribute to our positive emotions. These are specifically released when we exercise. Exercising in nature? Just as beneficial, plus vitamin D.

VISION. Spending time outdoors reduces the risk of developing myopia, or nearsightedness. Perhaps this one has something to do with the time you spend looking at a screen versus the time you spend looking at nature.

CONCENTRATION. Children and adults with ADHD are often advised to spend 20 minutes a day at a park or outside due to an increase in concentration noted after doing so.

Outdoor Fun

Need some suggestions to get o the couch and get outside? Try these fun activities for some good ol’ outdoor livin’.

PLANT A GARDEN. Flowers or vegetables? We’ll leave that up to you. Either way, we think it’s time grass-stained jeans came into style.

STARGAZE. Spread out a blanket and listen to the sound of the cricket choir around you as you try to decipher one constellation from another.

HIKE. Find a local trail you love and make it your go-to activity when you need alone time to think or destress.

TAKE A CLASS OUTSIDE. If there are no classes to take in your area, host your own! Watercolor, pottery, music, the options are limitless. Call some friends, and get busy!

Sources: familyeducation.com, businessinsider.com, everydayhealth.com, cnn.com

Have A Scavenger Hunt

Whether you choose to get your kids involved or plan an adult-only scavenger hunt, this makes for hours of outdoor fun at a local park. If you want to get extra creative, plan a real-life game of Clue and find out who in the park dun it!