As summer fast approaches here in New Zealand it’s unquestionable that many of us are racing to get our jandals on and head straight to the beach. It’s that time of the year where we all get to soak up our daily dose of vitamin D and look forward to a kiwi summer. Not only is it great for our physical health to get outdoors and explore, but the benefits may be even more so for our mental health. With Gumboot Friday just passed, mental health is something at the forefront of our minds and we are becoming ever more aware of just how important it is. So sit back, find a quiet spot outside and get ready to learn about the mental health benefits of the great outdoors!
- Closeness to green space is associated with lower levels of stress
Due to our modern day life style we operate under high levels of stress. We are expected to be constantly available or on call. Being stressed all the time increases the overall level of cortisol- a stress hormone that exists in our bodies. New research suggests that being outdoors and spending time in nature lowers levels of cortisol in our system, therefore helping us manage stress a lot better. (Thompson et all 2012)
2. It helps with symptoms of depression and anxiety
Recent studies conducted monitored the symptoms of people with mental health conditions using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales. It was found that the people who spent more time in green space/ outdoors had better mental health outcomes and the difference was significant and sizeable compared to those who didn’t. The results where so significant that there was more of a difference between those who did and didn’t spent time in nature vs those who did and didn’t have private health insurance! ( Beyers et all 2014)
3. it helps you recover from mental fatigue
Fatigue is a part of life we all have to deal with, and recovering from mental fatigue can be very difficult given the constant amounts of stimulation our modern environment and lifestyle provides. Being outdoors provides us with that amazing feeling of escape, which gives us a break from daily life. Taking in the scenery of nature also allows us to experience soft fascination- feelings of pleasure of contentment when taking in our environment. Both of these factors are extremely restorative and will help clear that brain fog! (Baumeister et al, 1998)
4.It helps with childhood and adolescent development
Being outdoors has benefits for people at all ages, but especially for our younger people who are still developing those amazing brains. A study analysed health outcomes of children and adolescents between the ages of 5 to 19 years old. Cognitive, emotional, behavioural, social and complex outcomes where all being monitored during this study which proved that being in nature had positive effects on all of these extremely important factors, aiding in healthy development and restorative factors. This is extremely important as modern day lifestyle factors limits the amount of time children spend outdoors, so make the most of the good weather this summer. (Moll et all 2021)
5. It improves cognitive function
Cognitive function refers to the mental process of acquiring and understanding knowledge through experience and senses. As covered previously, we know that being in nature has cognitive benefits for children and adolescents but the same holds true for adults! A simple walk outdoors showed to improve memory span and attention restoration (Hartig et al 2012)
So as you can see getting outside has a huge impact on your mental health, so make sure to schedule in some time this summer to enjoy Mother Nature!
If your body may be holding you back from exploring New Zealand’s amazing landscape, chiropractic could be the tool that you are looking for to get back on your feet. Check out our other blog posts, or simply book in for an initial consult to find out more about how chiropractic can help you.
Written by Dr Aimee Sims – B Chiro
References:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2011.12.015
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/11/3/3453/htm
https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/0022-3514.74.5.1252
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