Health Benefits of Nature

Less Exposure

As the winter months approach and the weather gets colder many of us are less inclined to spend time outdoors, but we really need to make sure we connect to nature all year round. Most of us intuitively may notice that nature is good for us. For example, when we feel stressed going for a walk can help us to relax. Other times we feel cravings for green parks and sandy beaches. For many of us, nature hikes, picnics and other outdoor excursions are a sought after form of recreation for us and our families. But beyond being fun and relaxing did you know there are real health benefits of nature immersion?

There is a strong connection to our societies increased time indoors and looking at screens ( resulting in less time spent outside) along with increased rates of mental illness in our society. If you think about it, until recently humans grew up spending lots of time outdoors. Even just a generation back kids spent much more time outside. How many of you remember your parents telling you to “go outside and play” and after a long day of fun returning for dinner around dark. Now both children and adults spend most of their waking hours looking at screens.

Although the most benefits have been shown through complete nature immersion, the health benefits of nature have been demonstrated when people spend time in a urban park or green space, or even have elements of nature, such as paintings of nature, plants and nature sounds in their home or office.

The Benefits

Mental

There are many health benefits of nature including mental and physical. Being in nature can produce meditative and mindfulness states. These states along with connection to nature can in turn help with many mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD and much more. Not only does nature help with mental illness but it also provides us with mental performance benefits such as increased altruism, makes us happier, can increase memory, focus and more energy.

Physical

Beyond mental health there are some purely physical reasons to get outside. Some studies have shown links between nature immersion and strengthened immunity, reduction in inflammation, improved eyesight, regulated circadian rhythms, weight loss and more. Some of these benefits have been associated with the fact that when we are in nature we breath better air, get more exercise, and are exposed to nature light (which helps improve vitamin D levels).

This is just the surface. There are wide ranging benefits to nature immersion, not to mention the fact that it just feels good! Are you feeling inspired yet to go outside? If not, just get out there and try it for yourself. We hope you get hooked on nature.

Carmi Remedy’s Rx is a Penticton Pharmacy specializing in old fashioned personalized service and we offer prescription compounding, vitamins, over the counter products and medications, home health products, vaccinations, compression socks, and more. We’re located in the Carmi Medical Dental Building on Carmi Avenue, across from the Health Clinic and near Penticton Regional Hospital.

Call us at 778-476-0010 or come down to see us at 15-725 Carmi Ave, just up from Penticton Regional Hospital in the Carmi Medical Dental Building.

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