Go back even just over 100 years ago, and it seems that times were incredibly different; there were no computers and no internet. There was no Netflix to wind down to after a long day at work. Some of us today wouldn't be able to handle simpler times without our precious smartphones. Truth be told times were tough, work was physical and demanding, and certain things even such as planes were yet to take their first flight. What these simpler times brought about was spending lots of leisurely time in the outdoors, whether at the local park for a picnic, or backyard family function, and taking family trips camping or hiking. One thing we in modern times have seemed to forget is those outdoor activities. We are consumed by technology and materialistic possessions on a daily basis which makes us complacent and distant from things that may be beneficial to our mental and bodily health.
"...being outside makes us feel more energetic and alive"
For starters, every day we're bent over either on a desk staring into a computer screen or at home on our phones which can blur our thoughts, and make us less cognitive. Taking a walk through a park or trail could help your mind focus which can restore cognitive parts of your brain by helping you focus less on stressful situations.
Compared to the urban experience, nature experiences lead to significant decreases in anxiety and improvement in mental health. Believe it or not, being in nature can help improve your short-term and working memory. In fact, one study suggested that walking in nature could improve your short-term memory by 20 percent. Another similar study on individuals with depression found that walks in nature boosted working memory much more than walks in urban environments.
Accessibility to everyday green spaces encourages people to simply get out the door. This, in turn, motivates them to be active physically, spiritually, and socially, which can offset chronic illness, disability, and isolation. Spending time outdoors also fights boredom and raises self-esteem. Plus, being outside makes us feel more energetic and alive – a good enough reason to get out and get moving.
