Take a walk. Do some gardening. Go for a jog. Get on a bike. Go for a hike.
By now, you’ve probably heard that spending time in the outdoors is good for your physical and mental well being.
Yes, in times of a virus outbreak, we have to follow our “social distancing” guidelines. For anyone you live with—like your child or partner—being outside with them is allowed, because you are in the same household and are already in constant contact with them. (That is, unless they are sick. In which case, they should not go out with you and should be isolating themselves from the rest of the family. Check current guidelines for your community).
But whether you do it alone—or together—log off of your computer, turn off your TV and go outside, at least once a day.
Science tells us that OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES are essential to lead a BALANCED LIFE.
And this has probably never been more important than it is now. You’re simply going to feel better.
Psychologists and health researchers are finding more and more science-backed reasons we should go outside and enjoy the natural world. We’d like to share that research with you here, published in Business Insider, authored by Kevin Loria and Lauren Friedman.
This “nature therapy” comes with no cost, no known side effects and requires no doctor’s prescription. It is readily available and, depending on where you live, is close to your own home: a hiking trail, the snow, a local park, the ocean, possibly your own backyard.
Here are 12 science-backed reasons to get out of the house and spend some time outdoors:
Improves short term memory
Reduces stress
Reduces inflammation
Reduces fatigue
Fights depression and anxiety
Protects your vision
Lowers blood pressure
Improves ability to focus
Boosts creativity
Helps prevent cancer
Boosts your immune system
Associated with a lower mortality rate
Need we say more? This "therapy" is for everyone—we all can use one or more of the above benefits of nature.
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