outdoor living
WHY DO WE CRAVE
THE OUTDOORS? TEXT AND PHOTOS COURTESY OF RENAISSANCE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
The sounds of birds in the trees, the smell of fresh flowers in the garden, the warmth of the sun on your skin – stepping outside can help anyone feel instantly better. The good news is that today, there is increased awareness of the advantages and benefits of the natural environment. Long passed are the days when new homes only offered a small concrete slab for outdoor living, and shopping centers were completely enclosed under one roof. Today, new homes of all price ranges include a more inviting outdoor living space – some with options for outdoor kitchens and even fireplaces to help extend outdoor living into winter. Shopping mall developers have answered the public’s outcry for more intimacy with nature by turning to “lifestyle centers” which include gardens and walkable social areas outdoors.
happy. Scientific studies have shown that which arguably is a healthier exercise than a natural environments can have remarkable treadmill or elliptical trainer can provide. benefits for human health. Being close to nature is not only more likely to promote YOUR CONCENTRATION WILL positive emotions, but also to create a IMPROVE more heightened physical and mental energy. Here are a few benefits of spending Many studies have shown how being more time outdoors. outdoors in nature can improve the ability to focus. In fact, a recent study found that children with ADHD scored higher on a LIGHT TENDS TO test of concentration after a walk through a park than after a walk through a residential ELEVATE PEOPLE'S neighborhood or downtown area – in MOOD, AND USUALLY essence, children with ADHD seem to focus MORE LIGHT IS better after being outdoors.
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AVAILABLE OUTDOORS THAN INDOORS
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YOU’LL GET BETTER EXERCISE WHY DO WE CRAVE THE OUTDOORS?
Although you don’t have to be outside to be active, being outdoors generally leads The perks of greener environs reach to walking, biking, gardening and other far beyond simply making us feel activities that put the body in motion, 70 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • June 2014
YOU MAY HEAL FASTER The effects of being outdoors where you have the ability to absorb natural light can improve the healing process. Studies have shown that surgery patients experienced less pain and stress and took fewer pain medications during their recoveries if they were exposed to natural light.