You know that feeling after a day spent doing a favorite activity at the beach, taking a walk through the park or hiking in the woods: You feel more alive, refreshed and happy. That’s because stepping outside isn’t just about a change of scenery — it’s also good for your health. As someone who’s spent a lifetime exploring the connection between nature and well-being, I’ve seen firsthand how nature is more than just a backdrop.
The simple act of being outdoors can transform not only our health but also our mood. Here are four reasons why immersing yourself in the beauty of the outdoors is one of the most powerful things you can do for your body, mind and soul. Have you ever stood at the edge of the ocean, watched the waves roll in and felt completely at peace? That sense of awe isn’t just a fleeting emotion — it’s a powerful experience that can .
Research from the finds that awe-inspiring moments in nature — whether it’s exploring the Grand Canyon, seeing the Northern Lights or strolling along the beach — make us more . I’ve seen it countless times during the I lead — people arrive burdened by the weight of their busy lives, and as we move through any walk we take, something shifts. Nature has this uncanny ability to quiet the mind and soothe the soul.
A 2019 study from Frontiers in Psychology found that just can significantly reduce cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress. For me, it’s not just about escaping the city or getting some fresh air; it’s about reconnecting with a slower rhythm that’s calming. What if nature could act as a daily multivitamin? It turns out, it can.
In Japan, the practice of , or , has been shown to boost the immune system just by walking among conifer trees. These trees emit a known as phytoncides to ward off disease and illness. When you inhale phytoncides, it activates your own natural killer cells, also known as NK cells, which are the body’s frontline defense against viruses and tumors.
A 2021 study found that forest therapy programs, including simply walking in the forest, may , and a 2010 study published in found that people who spent time in the forest experienced heightened immune function that lasted for weeks after their visit. In a world where pull your attention in a hundred different directions, known as popcorn brain, nature offers a rare refuge for overstimulated minds. Time spent outside — especially in wild, unmanicured spaces — restores your ability to focus and sparks creativity in ways that technology never can.
I often think back to a Whenever I need clarity or inspiration, I head to the woods or the beach because I know that’s where my mind will expand, ideas will flow and solutions I couldn’t see before will suddenly appear. There is something known as ART — — which is the ability to let your brain just be in a state of wonder and discovery and not being so hyper-focused on too many tasks at a time. It allows the brain to reset into a more relaxed state.
The key to doing that? Spending time in or looking at nature. Bottom line: The natural world isn’t just scenery in the background of our busy lives; it can in many ways. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, stuck or simply need a reset, try stepping outside.
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