Feature Story
Immerse Yourself in the Outdoors
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issourians and the nation have been dealing with unprecedented challenges related to the Covid-19 pandemic. The OAKs Committee is an advocate for the outdoors and the principles of how important natural places are for emotional and physical wellbeing. It’s hard, during times of uncertainty and stress to find a silver lining in this crisis, but a few things come to mind: more time together as a family, creative ways to keep kids entertained and engaged while continuing to learn and have fun. Throughout the spring, typical activities slowed in Missouri enabling us to observe and see things maybe we hadn’t for some time due to busy and often complicated life styles. Things like a spider building a web, a song bird we never saw or heard before, a night sky filled with stars and the slow transition out of the cold of winter. The virus may be around for a while, which means we need to adjust to a new normal to keep ourselves and those around us safe.
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CONSERVATION FEDERATION
The OAKs Committee’s Education sub-committee wanted to point out some real benefits of being outdoors that will contribute to your health and wellness and also provides some resources to help maintain safe distances, engage your mind, and fun ways to discover nature no matter if you are a novice or a veteran naturalist. For adults, did you know: studies have shown that walking in the woods can improve blood pressure, boosts mental health and immune systems, and decreases cancer risk. Walking in nature could improve your short-term memory. Spending time outside reduces inflammation and sunlight mitigates pain as well as provides vitamin D. Outdoor experiences can help fight depression and anxiety. Being outdoors can eliminate fatigue and give you more energy, may improve eyesight, can help you stay focused and increases creativity. Read more about it: www. businessinsider.com/why-spending-more-timeoutside-is-healthy-2017-7 and www.mentalfloss.com/ article/70548/11-scientific-benefits-being-outdoors.
