Can Spending a Few Hours Outdoors Improve Your Health?

Spending time outdoors provides individuals of all ages with the opportunity to have better mental and physical health.

Can spending time outdoors improve both mental and physical health? Well, research has shown there are a variety of benefits to being outside for a bit, and it doesn't require a whole vacation or take as long as you may think. Learn more about how nature can help your mental and physical well-being, and see how you can start applying this knowledge to your own life today.

How Much Time to Spend Outdoors

Many people think they need to take a major vacation or spend several days outside to reap the benefits. But it's actually not necessary to spend as much time outside as many think to make solid improvements to both physical and mental well-being.

Spending as little as 120 minutes per week outdoors may give great results according to researchers. So for those who can only spend half an hour a day 5 days per week, the results can still be worth it. Even simple activities, such as walking a trail, can be just as much fun as a whole weekend camping or boating.

How Nature Helps Mental Health

Doctors are giving patients nature prescriptions these days. These medical suggestions encourage patients to take a certain amount of time out of their day and immerse themselves in outside activity that can benefit body and mind. While it may be yet to be discovered what the exact science is behind nature helping people improve their health, the evidence is mounting that the practice of getting out really does have a great benefit. Theories range, but one thing that stands out is that nature allows us to unplug from life for a bit, to set aside stress, to take time for ourselves.

Know What Type of Setting Works Best

You don't need to go deep into the woods to reap the benefits of spending time outside. If you have a local park nearby or even a small trail or wooded area near your house, you can get outside and enjoy everything the great outdoors has to offer. Watching life blossom around you, such as flowers blowing in the breeze or birds flying back and forth to their nests, can be relaxing and can leave you feeling rejuvenated. Even looking at pictures of nature can help reduce stress, and have some small benefit, although going outside is usually the best option.

From relaxing to healing the body through physical activity, the effects of nature are rich and varied. With doctors themselves offering nature prescriptions, maybe it's time to make a weekly appointment with the local trail and hit it.

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