The outdoors and why we go?

I love the outdoors, enjoying the breeze of the wind through the fields of the coast and forests, but why do we have this need to metaphorically go and “Touch grass”? why do we take breaks in our lives to spend time in nature? From https://health.ucdavis.edu/, there are 2 reasons why we go to nature, involving our mental and physical needs:

1: It improves our mental health:

Spending time in nature helps reduce:

• Anxiety

• Stress

• Anger

• Depression

Exercise, especially outdoors, and regular exposure to natural light also improve sleep by regulating sleep-wake cycles. A Danish study of 900,000 people born between 1985 and 2003 found that children raised in greener neighbourhoods had a reduced risk of mental disorders later in life.

2: It Improves our physical health:

Research shows that spending time in nature:

• Lowers cortisol levels

• Muscle tension

• Heart rate

• Blood pressure

• Reducing strain on the cardiovascular system

• Lowering heart disease risk.

• Boosts vitamin D levels, supporting bones, blood cells, and the immune system.

3: other benefits:

Getting outdoors has proven health benefits, as highlighted in a U.S. Department of Agriculture research summary:

• People living near parks and green spaces experience less mental distress, are more physically active, and live longer.

• Nature exposure may reduce mortality from chronic diseases.

• Exercising outdoors leads to longer, more intense activity sessions.

• Health benefits are even greater when green spaces include water.

So in conclusion, the reason why we go outside is not only for the mental breaks from life and work pressures but for the physical benefits of the outdoors and the activities that can be enjoyed outside.