Health benefits of going outside
by Anna-Maija Mattila
Much research has been done to figure out how
the natural environment affects us, especially our health. A large amount of
data has been collected and some things have been proven by different
experiments but still much is under investigation. Here are some findings about
the impact of a natural environment on our physical and mental health, what
kind of landscape brings out those effects and how much time it takes to get
the benefits.
Improvements to physical health
The forest environment with its scents, sounds
and appearance can lower the blood pressure and stress level. A decreased
stress level itself can protect people from stress-based diseases but also
promote the functioning of the human immune system, which contributes to reducing
the risks of illnesses caused by viruses and bacteria, or even cancer. Getting
outdoors can also reduce cardiovascular diseases and mortality rate, but also
help people who suffer, for example, from diabetes.
Maintenance of mental health
Nature seems to have even greater effects on mental
health than physical. It helps to maintain good feelings and strengthen them,
but also to make negative thoughts more positive. That could mean, for example,
reducing aggression and depression, helping people recover from stress and
mental exhaustion. And what is important (especially for us students) nature
could promote memory and attentiveness, raise energy levels and clarify
thinking.
What kind of environment is the best?
According to some experiments, even viewing a
picture of natural scenery or nature through a window had some beneficial
effects. Also listening to recorded sounds of nature or watching a video could make
change for the better. Still, the most efficient environment seemed to be a
forest with good natural diversity. Even just sitting there could improve mood.
But exercising in green surroundings was found to magnify the positive health
effects of exercising and also seemed to make it easier to commit to exercising
and to keep to an exercise routine.
How much time is needed to get the benefits?
There is no need to wander around in the woods
for many hours to start getting the positive effects. Even ten minutes in the
natural world could lower your blood pressure, and that doubled could lighten
your mood. An hour raises attentiveness and two hours could improve the
functioning of the immune system. The longer one spends in a natural
environment, the longer-lasting the effects are likely to be. A three-day
walking trip is able to boost the immune system, lower blood pressure and sugar
levels for days.
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