Why do we need to spend more time in nature? Check out the article we found over at The Chive.
Vitamin D helps your body function more efficiently
Being outside and maximizing your vitamin D intake, you’re promoting bone and dental health. It is shown to elevate your mood and reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and many more. It also improves blood flow and relaxes your blood vessels.
Physical activity pumps up your endorphins
Being active and outside spurs the production of endorphins, your brain’s ‘feel good’ neurotransmitters. This sensation is also referred to as a ‘runners high’. With increased endorphin levels, you’ll feel loose, clear-headed, and calm.
Oxygen affects your sense of well-being
The level of oxygen in your body is directly tied to your levels or serotonin – the neurotransmitter that affects your appetite, mood, memory, social behavior and many other processes. Breathing fresh can therefore help regulate your serotonin and promote well-being.
It lowers stress hormones
A Dutch study has shown spending time in nature and performing simple, repetitive tasks (such as gardening) can fight stress more efficiently than other activities. In the study, one group of people was asked to read indoors after completing a stressful task while the other group was instructed to garden for 30 minutes. The gardeners not only reported being in a better mood than the readers, but also had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Bacteria in soil also boosts your serotonin levels
Nature’s calming effect comes from not only the fresh air, but also the ground. Research done by scientists at the University of Colorado at Boulder shows that Mycobacterium vaccae, a harmless bacteria commonly found in soil, can act as a natural antidepressant by increasing the release and metabolism of serotonin in parts of the brain that control cognitive function and mood.
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Read full article: A few important health reasons why you should spend more time in nature
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