Why Outdoors Time is Essential For a Happy Life

Managing the everyday stressors that life can throw your way is essential for being able to feel excited about the future. And feeling good about the future — whether it regards your relationship, your career, or your family, is one of the essential ingredients for feeling happy.

So how can you learn to combat those stressful triggers and feel happier? It’s simple: spend more time outside. Being amongst nature has proven to be very beneficial for both physical and mental health. When you’re so caught up in the fast-paced, hyper-connected world, being outdoors allows you to unplug, regroup, and recharge. Here’s more about why outdoors time is essential for a happy life.

Enjoy the Healing Powers of Nature

Many studies have shown the health benefits that Mother Nature can provide us with. In fact, “forest bathing” has been a fundamental part of Japan’s national health program for some time. By immersing ourselves in nature, the Japanese believe it allows us to take advantage of natural rejuvenating powers, like developing a stronger immune system, enhancing our vision and improving our short-term memory, for starters.

Reduce Stress

One of the most significant reasons why outdoors time is essential for a happy life is because it allows us to literally press pause and escape for a while. When you’re out hiking in the woods or spending time around the campfire at the cottage soaking up that glorious lakeside view, it lets your mind and body relax and enjoy the present, rather than constantly worry about deadlines and duties.

Stress is one of the most dangerous things that we face in our modern world today. And there’s a good reason why it’s commonly referred to as the “silent killer” since it’s connected to so many different illnesses and diseases. That’s why taking time to unwind and relieve your stress should be considered just as seriously as your weekly trips to the gym.

Improve Your Focus

Attention deficits have become increasingly common as we try to keep up with the plethora of tasks that are thrown our way on a daily basis. And as we try to juggle and multi-task our way through life, we end up dulling our ability to focus. But taking even small breaks throughout the day to walk in the park or enjoy some nearby green space has shown to improve our ability to concentrate and focus. Being able to enjoy a few days exploring some nature trails and outdoor time can even boost your creativity and cognitive function by nearly 50 percent!

Reduce Anxiety and Depression

Depression and anxiety can be incredibly crippling and challenging to manage, mainly when the majority of your time is spent indoors, staring at a computer screen. But getting regular time outdoors, in addition to therapy or meds, is crucial for allowing your body to burn off that pent-up energy while enhancing those “feel good” hormones that your body releases when it gets physical exercise. Even just taking a simple walk outside can be enough to lower your blood pressure and cortisol levels, which often spike when we feel stressed out.

So now that you know exactly why outdoors time is essential for a happy life, make it a priority to find the time to get out more and enjoy the nature around you. And when you’re feeling lost or discouraged and need someone to talk to, we can help. At Ottawa Counselling, we offer a safe and comfortable environment where we will listen and provide the tools and insight that you’re looking for. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.