At CBD, we’re all about reaping the benefits of the natural world. In addition to using products from natural sources (like our range of organic CBD), there are lots of other ways nature can benefit your life. Did you know that spending time outdoors is a great way to boost both your mental and physical health? This can be in whichever type of nature setting you prefer and have access to, whether that be a meadow, a beach, or anything in between. Whichever of mother nature’s destinations you choose, this article details six of the key benefits you can expect.
1: Reduces stress
Stress is natural and everyone will experience it at some point in their lives, but some people experience it regularly and severely. Whether you feel fleeting moments of stress or it’s a chronic issue in your life, nature can help you reduce it. Just 20 minutes spent out in nature has the power to reduce your cortisol levels, which is the hormone that causes stress.
Studies have also shown that an hour and a half nature walk can help naturally reduce activity in the section of the brain linked to negativity. Additionally, being in the presence of phytoncides, a micro substance plants excrete to protect themselves, can reduce the level of stress hormones in your bloodstream. So, if you find yourself in a tailspin of stress or simply need to unwind after a long day, a walk in nature is calling your name.
2: Improves mood and mental health
Mental health issues like anxiety and depression are prevalent in all demographics of society. Even those without mental health issues will experience a low mood from time to time. The good news is that whether you have been diagnosed with a mental health issue or just feel low at times, nature can help.
Research has shown that in addition to stress, spending time in nature can reduce feelings of anxiety, anger, and depression, due to its aforementioned link with reducing certain hormones in the blood and activity in parts of the brain. It can also promote joy and creativity in addition to a sense of calm, helping to counteract negative feelings and emotions. Multiple studies have linked nature and a reduction in mental health-related symptoms and a lower risk of depression. So, if you’re looking for ways to improve your mental health, the outdoors is a great place to start.
3: Boosts physical health
Good physical health is something we all strive for, and there are many ways to give it a boost. A healthy diet and plenty of exercise are the two main components, and nature can contribute to both. First of all, natural, whole foods are the basis of a healthy and balanced diet. In terms of exercise, being out in nature lends itself to various physical activities. The exact activities depend on the setting but could include options like hiking, rowing, jogging, walking, or cycling. All of these activities offer immense physical health benefits.
Additionally, being in nature has been shown to reduce muscle tension as well as heart rate and blood pressure. This can translate into a lower risk of developing heart disease. Being outside also gives you the chance to soak in some vitamin D, which plays vital roles in various areas of your body, including your bones and immune system. So, if you’re struggling to get enough exercise or just need a new way to naturally boost your physical wellbeing, try partaking in some nature-based activities.
4: Enhances focus and cognitive function
Today’s world is very fast paced, leading to a plethora of distractions and issues with cognitive function and focus. If you find yourself in a foggy state or simply struggle to focus on tasks or activities, reconnecting with nature can help. Research has revealed that the human mind and body relax more in nature, leading to enhanced pleasure and concentration abilities.
Additionally, as humans find nature innately intriguing, focus on natural elements comes naturally and involuntarily. During this process, the form of attention we use to complete tasks (direct rather than inherent) has time to rest. The result is a refreshed mind, allowing you to take on tasks with a heightened level of focus. This process is known as Attention Restoration Theory (ART). So, if you’ve been falling behind on your to-do list or are looking for ways to increase your attention span, a nature break in your workday could be what you’re missing.
5: Boosts the immune system
A high functioning immune system is essential to a healthy body. It helps protect you from disease and fights of germs and other invaders to keep you safe and healthy. Some people have stronger immune systems than others, but everyone can benefit from an immune system boost. Thankfully, the simple act of spending time in nature can help contribute to this.
As mentioned in the stress section of this article, trees and other plants release a type of micro substance called phytoncides to protect themselves from pests and diseases. This means that when you spend time in nature and among plants, you naturally inhale phytoncides, resulting in numerous benefits in addition to stress reduction. It turns out that they not only protect plants from disease, they also do the same for humans when inhaled. Phytoncides are able to boost the human immune system by working alongside the type of white blood cells that help ward off infections. So, if your immune system is feeling a little sluggish or you want to give it a proactive boost, it’s time to get out in nature and literally breathe in the benefits.
6: Supports a healthy sleep cycle
Sleep allows our bodies and minds to rest and recharge before taking on another day. It is a crucial element of both physical and mental health, with many benefits stemming from a healthy sleep cycle and plenty of high quality sleep. If you’re struggling to achieve a healthy routine and could benefit from some sleep support, reconnecting with nature is a great step to take.
The circadian rhythm is the natural cycle your body goes through every 24 hours, and it controls when you feel sleepy or energised. Think of it as your internal clock, regulating the functions of your body throughout the day. Once this rhythm is knocked out of whack, it can impact sleep duration and quality, leading to potential mental and physical health issues. The circadian rhythm is significantly impacted by light and dark, so spending time out in nature and experiencing natural light cycles can help reset your circadian rhythm. This can improve both sleep quality and duration, resulting in better overall health and wellbeing. This combined with the relaxation and decompression being in nature offers, make it an effective natural sleep aid. So, if you’re an insomniac or just need some help improving your sleep schedule, make some time for nature and allow your system to reset.
Key takeaways
Here are the key points to remember about the benefits of spending time in nature:
- Nature is home to the world’s greatest gifts, including but not limited to CBD.
- Spending time in nature has both mental and physical health benefits.
- Mental benefits include reduced mental health-related symptoms, improved mood, stress reduction, improved focus and cognition, and better sleep.
- Physical health benefits include boosted immune function, stronger bones from extra vitamin D, enhanced fitness, reduced risk of heart disease, and better sleep.
