There is a lot of research out there about how much better we do as humans when we are outside and interacting with nature. From forest bathing to a simple walk in the woods or just outside your front door… It all helps us feel grounded and live a happier and healthier existence. But how?
A recent article from Harvard Health compared the brain activity of healthy people after they walked for 90 minutes in either a natural setting or an urban one. They found that people who walked in nature had lower activity in the thinking part of the brain, a usually highly active part of the brain when overthinking is present. A walk in nature appears to reduce repetitive thoughts and those continuous loops of negative thoughts.
Calming nature sounds and even outdoor silence can lower blood pressure and cortisol, which directly calms the body’s fight or flight response. Bingo! Walk the dog. If you don’t have one, walk the nonexistent dog. Go to the beach or just walk out your front door. Either way – get out the door. The sunshine will give you much-needed vitamin D and will help your sleep-wake cycle in the process too.
Simple concept, but not always easy to do. How can you build the outdoors into your daily routine?
