More Nature Equals Improved Physical and Mental Wellbeing

When it comes to the big picture of a happy and healthy lifestyle, nature is always the backdrop. While the integration of plants and natural spaces into our lives is not a new concept, it is certainly one that merits revisiting. 

On average as Americans, we spend about 90% of our lives indoors. This includes time at work or in front of a computer, at home inside, driving, even inside the gym. Only 10% our lives are being spent outdoors and in natural spaces. Thus, our exposure to plants and the natural elements are limited.

So, why might time in nature be important for you to take into consideration for your physical and mental wellbeing? There has been a growing amount of research conducted on the implications of living life indoors. The evidence is pointing to a correlative increase in stress, anxiety, depression, weight gain, and feeling disconnected with increased time spent indoors.

Today, our lifestyles are geared toward long hours indoors. You may even lack access to natural spaces such as a park, the ocean, forests, or gardens. Living in a location with extreme weather such as high temperatures, rain, snow, or excessive wind can also be an obstacle.

While we are all presented with challenges to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle, it is important to continue to be resilient and not let hurdles get in the way of enjoying your best life. Committing to being in nature on a regular basis is more a worthy cause for your physical and mental wellbeing than you may have expected.

In fact, a study conducted by White, M.P. and colleges examined the relationship between exposure to nature over a seven-day period and the self-reported well-being of 20,000 participants. They found that those who were in contact with nature for 120 minutes (two hours) or more each week reported experiencing good health and high well-being compared to participants who got less than two hours per week.

The study revealed positive health and well-being associations with nature exposure up to 300 minutes, but no further gains were seen with additional time beyond that. Those with less than two cumulative hours per week did not report experiencing positive outcomes. 

Essentially, to reap the health benefits of this research, aim to get at least two hours each week in nature. Go for a swim in the ocean, visit a garden or a park, or breathe deeply on your porch overlooking trees, it all counts. You can also break up your cumulative time or do one big outing to meet your weekly quota. The bottom line, get outside!

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Contact Eleanor at 321-537-9832 or visit ElevatedNutritionandWellness.com for more on holistic health, nutrition and wellness practices.