The Benefits of Spending Time in Nature
With the rise of indoor entertainment and increased access to technology, more and more people are spending the majority of their lives inside. The “indoor generation” is becoming the coined term for younger age groups, with some studies estimating that Americans spend around 86% of their time indoors. While it may be tempting to lounge on the couch watching TV after a long workday, you may want to reconsider.
Numerous studies show that spending time in nature benefits physical and mental health. These health benefits include an improved overall mood and reduced risk of disease. The best part is you don’t need to drastically change your life to reap the benefits of time spent in green spaces. Even 20-30 minutes spent in fresh air and sunlight can make a difference.
If you want to spend more time outdoors but aren’t quite sure where to start, peruse our list of five health benefits of spending time in nature below.
Five Health Benefits of Spending Time in Nature
1. Better Heart Health
Being immersed in nature often encourages physical activity, which plays a significant role in heart health. Regular physical activity can lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, improving the strength of your heart and blood circulation. Similarly, exercise is one of the best ways to reduce the chance of developing severe heart disease and even type 2 diabetes.
The health benefits of time in a natural setting aren’t solely tied to exercise. Enjoying an outdoor lifestyle also lowers stress levels, which positively impacts cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that time outdoors lowers your cortisol levels and heart rate, both of which contribute to cardiovascular disease. You don’t need to climb Mount Everest or hike the Appalachian Trail to reap these heart health benefits. A recent study found fewer cases of high blood pressure in adults who spent 30 minutes in nature each week.
Related: How Living in the Mountains Improves Your Quality of Life
2. Improved Memory and Cognitive Function
Are you feeling slower lately and want to sharpen up? Try immersing yourself in some greenspace. Studies show that spending time outdoors not only boosts creativity but also improves focus, concentration, and memory. Some studies have found that people’s short-term memory and attention spans are enhanced by 20% following an hour of interacting in nature. Another study found that a 20-minute walk in the park created greater attention spans in children with ADHD. Even the subtle sounds of nature, like birdsongs, can support improved cognitive function.
3. Reduced Anxiety and Depression
Getting outdoors can be a great way to improve your mental health. A 2019 Harvard study found that spending just 20 minutes in nature can help lower stress hormones like cortisol. Several other studies have noted that there are lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in individuals who’ve spent time in green areas like forests and mountains compared to those who walked in urban developmental regions. These benefits especially apply to those with regular access to green spaces like parks or nature preserves.
Explore nature right in The Cliffs’ backyard: 10 State Parks to Visit in the Carolina Mountains
4. Enhanced Sleep
Have you been having restless sleep lately? Try spending some time outdoors. Studies have found that spending more time outside improves the quality and longevity of your sleep. Similarly, a growing body of research has shown that increased sunlight exposure helps to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm. One study found that exposure to natural light can help you fall asleep earlier and stay asleep longer, all while improving your overall sleep quality.
5. Increased Longevity
Enjoying a lifestyle more focused on outdoor activity may also extend your life. One study found that greater exposure to green space was linked to a 12% decrease in mortality rate. This study, along with many others, once again highlights the reduced risk of chronic health conditions like heart disease and type-2 diabetes mentioned earlier in this article. With less of a risk of developing these life-threatening diseases, those who spend adequate time outdoors will tend to live longer lives.
Your Outdoor Lifestyle at The Cliffs
Tucked into the glorious Carolina mountains, The Cliffs perfectly immerses itself and its members into the serene surrounding environment. Stretching from the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the waters of Lake Keowee, our seven communities offer some of the best views in the Southeast. Our members enjoy access to spectacular hiking trails, cycling, fishing, watersports, and much more.
The Cliffs provides a perfect blend of luxurious living and breathtaking landscapes, creating a natural oasis away from all the noise. If you’re interested and wondering if there is a home for you at The Cliffs, click the button below to reach out to a member of our team. We look forward to having you join one of our nature-filled communities!
