Six Reasons Why You Need to Be Outside and In Nature
There are so many ways that nature and the outdoors play a key part in our health. It’s all-encompassing for our physical, mental, and spiritual health.
We know the idea of traveling somewhere for an outdoor excursion may come across as a hassle, and you think it would be easier to just stay at home, but we want to convince you of the need you have to do it anyway.
1. Serotonin
Being out in nature almost always coexists with being in sunlight. Being exposed to sunlight increases the amount of serotonin released in your body. Serotonin is considered a “feel-good hormone.”
An SSRI is often prescribed to people who struggle with depression or anxiety. It stands for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor, which ultimately means it makes serotonin more available for neurons in the body to communicate with each other.
By being in sunlight, you’re ultimately taking a natural antidepressant.
2. Endorphins
All of our lives, we’ve heard about how “exercise releases endorphins.” Well, it’s the truth! Physical activity helps release endorphins which work as “natural pain killers.” It’s often associated with a “runner’s high.” It's what helps with the endurance of pushing past pain in a long race to get to the finish line.
By taking part in some sort of physical activity, no matter what part of your body it is, you are releasing dopamine and endorphins. Those endorphins will help in your endurance and contentment as you continue on in this beautiful journey we call life.
3. Dopamine
Dopamine is known as the “happy hormone” or the “reward hormone.” When you take part in an enjoyable activity, or if you accomplish a task, dopamine is released in your body. So by going on a nature journey and accomplishing an outdoor endeavor that you may think would be difficult will for sure get those happy hormones in your body.
4. Diminishes Stress and Enhances Recovery
Observing greenery, such as in nature, has been shown in studies to increase activity in the parasympathetic nervous system, which leads to diminished stress levels. Undoubtedly this is related to all of those happy chemicals released in nature.
Not only does it help with stress levels, but when stress levels are low, it helps enhance recovery.
5. Reduced Blood Pressure and Better Sleep
Studies have found that because of the soothing effects of nature, being exposed to it often leads to reduced and better blood pressure levels.
High blood pressure levels have been associated with difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, so when blood pressure levels are better, it often will ensure better sleep. Sleep affects all kinds of things when you don’t get enough of it.
So for a better and healthier life, let’s get out in nature more!
6. Spiritual Health
For people of faith like myself and my family, being in nature can also help with our spiritual health. Being out in creation points us back to the creator of it all. Some books explain how since the beginning of time, the attributes of God, such as his eternal power and divine nature, have been observable through the things he has created.
Being under the big sky and looking up at tall mountains or vast oceans reminds us of how small we are and how big God is. We observe this goodness and connect back to it in trust. Thus strengthening our spiritual walk.
Loyal Lifts Transportation
As you read above, it’s clear that there are so many benefits for all of us in getting out in nature.
Loyal Lifts Transportation wants to encourage all people, even those who see themselves with disabilities, to get outside. Don’t let transportation get in the way of your next adventure; we will get you there. We have wheelchair transportation services that will make it hassle-free for you to travel.
We are located in Asheville, NC, and would be honored to be able to be a part of your next adventure. If you or a loved one are in need of transportation with wheelchair accessibility, you can call us at 828-674-6471 or visit our contact page on our website to reach out.