10 Ways To Improve Your Health From Walking In Nature

When life gets stressful, it is normal to feel the need to get out and commune with nature. After all, studies reveal that being one with nature positively affects our mind, body, and spirit.

For one, it compels your body to move. Meaning, you can get your daily exercise when you walk in nature. Second, we all know that Vitamin D is good for our bones. And the sun is the best source of Vitamin D. Lastly, studies show that being in nature encourages speedy recovery and reduces blood pressure and cancer risk. Other than that, here are ten benefits of walking in nature:

Rhythmical Breathing

Yes, it is innate for us to breathe. But are we really breathing? Living in a fast-paced, stressful environment has led to people taking shallow breaths. Sure, it sounds harmless. But shallow and unintentional breathing increases blood pressure and heart rate. When you walk in nature, though, you are compelled to take longer and deeper breathing. This rhythmical breathing can help you feel calmer, as it decreases blood pressure and slows down your heart rate.

Maintain Youthfulness

Not many of us would want to perish. However, we all know that immortality is impossible. So, the next best thing would be to maintain our youthfulness for as long as we can. Luckily, being one with nature can help you achieve that. That’s because the Vitamin D our body produces can help strengthen our bones, allowing us to experience fewer aging pains as we grow old. In addition, surrounding ourselves with nature allows us to breathe fresh air. Breathing in oxygen that is free from toxins and pollutants can also make you feel just plain flat out invigorated.

Stress Relief

Selfies aside, there is one main reason people go on vacation: to relieve stress and have some time to relax. Studies revealed that spending time outdoors, even just in your yard, can lower your heart rate. Another study showed that even as simple as looking at forest landscapes reduces cortisol (stress hormones) level by 13.4%.

Better Mood

In relation to the previous point, communing with nature is an excellent way to take care of your mental health.

Basking under the sun encourages your body to produce Vitamin D. This vitamin serves like a “master hormone," boosting other hormones in your body. It causes you to feel uplifted and have a better disposition. In addition, nature encourages your body to release happy hormones like endorphins. These hormones give you a natural high and can help ease the pain.

Weight Loss

Walking encourages you to move. And grabbing your trusty hiking poles and conquering the trails in the nearby park on a regular basis can definitely be enough to shed some pounds. You can also consider taking a hike in higher altitudes to encourage fast metabolism. And because of the exercise you get from walking in nature, you are also more likely to get quality sleep when it is time for bed.

Better Concentration

Taking a break is an excellent way for your mind to relax. That’s because you have the chance to unplug and stay away from your social media notifications. Instead, you get to practice listening to your body, while staying away from tech-related stress. So if you feel like your brain is becoming foggy, try leaving your gadgets for a minute and go walk outside. It can help you stay away from tech if even for a moment and also allows you to enjoy a couple of minutes for yourself peacefully.

Enhanced Creativity

In addition to having better concentration, taking the time to rest your mind can help enhance your creativity. That’s because walking is a low-level activity, meaning you don’t need to exert too much brainpower to do it. It also allows you to daydream - which is always a creative boost.

Less Pain and Faster Healing

As mentioned earlier, the sun is an excellent source of Vitamin D. And the best way you can make the most out of it is to spend time outdoors.

What happens is that basking under the sun encourages your body to produce Vitamin D. And studies show that this vitamin can prevent cancer, osteoporosis, and heart attacks. And in fact, people who spend time outdoors are often believed to help heal their bones faster, especially if they underwent spinal surgery. It is also believed to help you feel less pain, reducing your need to rely on pain medications.

Psychological Restoration

According to a Finnish study, sitting in nature for 15 minutes can help you feel psychologically restored. And the restoration can happen quicker if you decide to walk rather than being stationary.

Increased Spiritual Wellbeing

Aside from being beneficial for our physical and mental wellbeing, walking in nature can also increase spirituality. No, it will not make you the next Dalai Lama. But nature can have a profound effect on our spiritual growth. Hiking allows you to marvel at the wonders of nature. This includes the blue sky, trees that are hundred years old, birds chirping, and many more. It will remind you of how small you are, yet you are part of your surroundings. Moreover, walking in nature teaches you Mindfulness. It is about being at the moment and paying attention to the sensation you are feeling in your body. As such, you get to connect with yourself better. In the end, you will have an improved outlook on life.

Not a Myth

Keeping your body moving alone can have various health benefits. Science has repeatedly proven that spending time in nature can have a profound impact on our bodies. This includes the benefits listed above. So, if you are looking for a practical way to take care of your physical and mental wellbeing, you do not need to look far. The solution can be in your backyard.