As the weather is slowly cooling down in most parts of the country, and fall is upon us, we start to head towards hibernation. Despite the temperature drop, it’s important to continue connecting with nature. Research clearly shows that spending time outdoors in nature has physical and mental health benefits. Children who exercise outdoors are healthier, happier and have higher test scores. Patients who have a ‘green’ view from their hospital room recover faster after surgery. Exposure to forests can even boost the immune system.
The Harvard Health Letter of July 2010 reviews the research and explains some of the health benefits to being outdoors. Active vitamin D levels increase with exposure to direct natural sunlight. Being outdoors lends to more physical activity including playing sports, swimming, and running. We also tend to walk more when spending time outdoors. Light improves one’s mood and can help with concentration as well.
A busy schedule, a thunderstorm, or the inability to perform exercise can be obstacles to being outdoors. We can change our mindset and spend small amounts of time outside, and still reap the benefits. Here are some ideas to add ‘Nature Time’ to your day:
1. Garden, Mow Your Own Lawn or Rake Your Own Leaves. (Do not attempt if your doctor has restricted your exercise or you have a heart condition, or other illness that restricts your exercise). The exercise will be good for you, and you will feel proud of your finished results!
2. Walk to Your Dinner or Lunch Destination. We are too used to getting in our cars for everything. If you work or live near a café or restaurant, make it a goal to walk there, weather permitting. If you need to drive, try parking your car a mile away. You’ll burn some of the calories you plan on eating!
3. Walk Before, During, or After Work. Walking to start, end or break up your day helps lower stress levels, increase focus and concentration, and wash away the worries of the day.
4. Plant a Camping Chair on the Lawn and Sit. If you have physical limitations, or prefer to exercise indoors, sitting in natural light is still beneficial. Plant your feet on the grass, look at the sky, and soak in the vitamin D for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Bring Nature Inside. For parts of the country where the weather may not allow outside time, you can bring nature to you. Plants have been found to clean indoor mold and chemicals, and have many health benefits. Bring in plants to your home, or build an indoor herb garden.
6. Join a Hiking Meetup Group or Nature Club. Socialize while you get in your walk, hike, swim or jog. National groups, such as the Children & Nature Network, and the Sierra Club have local chapters that hold events. Make friends with others who spend time in nature, and create a lifelong habit.
7. Mindfully Look Outside Your Window. Spend a few minutes noticing the beauty of Mother Earth. Watch a rainstorm, or the sun setting. Notice the colors, shapes, and vastness of our environment. Relish in its true beauty. My favorite thing is to watch snow falling from my upstairs bedroom window-truly stunning.
Happy Hiking!
Wishing you Peace and Good Health,
Dr. Poorvi
The Harvard Health Letter of July 2010 reviews the research and explains some of the health benefits to being outdoors. Active vitamin D levels increase with exposure to direct natural sunlight. Being outdoors lends to more physical activity including playing sports, swimming, and running. We also tend to walk more when spending time outdoors. Light improves one’s mood and can help with concentration as well.
A busy schedule, a thunderstorm, or the inability to perform exercise can be obstacles to being outdoors. We can change our mindset and spend small amounts of time outside, and still reap the benefits. Here are some ideas to add ‘Nature Time’ to your day:
1. Garden, Mow Your Own Lawn or Rake Your Own Leaves. (Do not attempt if your doctor has restricted your exercise or you have a heart condition, or other illness that restricts your exercise). The exercise will be good for you, and you will feel proud of your finished results!
2. Walk to Your Dinner or Lunch Destination. We are too used to getting in our cars for everything. If you work or live near a café or restaurant, make it a goal to walk there, weather permitting. If you need to drive, try parking your car a mile away. You’ll burn some of the calories you plan on eating!
3. Walk Before, During, or After Work. Walking to start, end or break up your day helps lower stress levels, increase focus and concentration, and wash away the worries of the day.
4. Plant a Camping Chair on the Lawn and Sit. If you have physical limitations, or prefer to exercise indoors, sitting in natural light is still beneficial. Plant your feet on the grass, look at the sky, and soak in the vitamin D for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Bring Nature Inside. For parts of the country where the weather may not allow outside time, you can bring nature to you. Plants have been found to clean indoor mold and chemicals, and have many health benefits. Bring in plants to your home, or build an indoor herb garden.
6. Join a Hiking Meetup Group or Nature Club. Socialize while you get in your walk, hike, swim or jog. National groups, such as the Children & Nature Network, and the Sierra Club have local chapters that hold events. Make friends with others who spend time in nature, and create a lifelong habit.
7. Mindfully Look Outside Your Window. Spend a few minutes noticing the beauty of Mother Earth. Watch a rainstorm, or the sun setting. Notice the colors, shapes, and vastness of our environment. Relish in its true beauty. My favorite thing is to watch snow falling from my upstairs bedroom window-truly stunning.
Happy Hiking!
Wishing you Peace and Good Health,
Dr. Poorvi
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