It should come as no surprise to anyone that being outdoors is beneficial for us. Whenever you’re having a bad day, it is recommended to get outdoors and take a walk in nature, as being outside can take us away from our daily stressors and remind us of the bigger picture.
While we all know that being outdoors can be beneficial for our well-being, did you know that there are proven health benefits to being in nature? The natural world is amazing and can actually change the way we feel, making us healthier and happier.
You can have access to a range of health benefits on your doorstep simply by creating a garden you love. With an accessible and attractive landscape, you will be more willing to spend time outdoors and experience the various ways your garden benefits health.
Whether you are mentally or physically ill, fresh air is a great remedy for a range of ailments and has been used as a treatment for centuries. Your garden benefits health and well-being by offering superior air quality than anywhere else if there are plenty of plants and trees around.
This is because trees naturally produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the atmosphere, making the air we breathe when outdoors cleaner and better for us.
Perhaps the most well-known way that your garden benefits health is by being a stress reliever. Spending time in nature is reported to help lower cortisol levels, encourage better breathing patterns and simply allow us to clear our heads.
If there is one thing we can all benefit from it is less stress in our lives! Having a lush garden makes this possible, as you want to spend more time outdoors and will find occasions to simply be in your garden, whether it’s with friends and family or simply enjoying a cup of tea alone.
Spending time in your garden benefits health not just mentally, but physically too. Natural spaces are playgrounds for the body and encourage us to engage in healthy activities whenever we spend time in them.
Whether you prefer a leisurely walk or a vigorous hike, getting outdoors is the only way this can be done and is one of the best ways to move your body, no matter your age. Even spending time in your garden can encourage physical activity as you move around to tend to the garden, play with the kids or throw a ball for your dog.
While it can be difficult to maintain a strict workout routine, simply going outside and exploring nature encourages movement in itself. Physical activity is vital for our health, as it offers benefits like better weight management and improved cardiovascular health.
Even small movements can make a difference when done consistently and with a lush, attractive garden you are more likely to get outside and get moving!
A common issue for a lot of people these days is a lack of vitamin D. Vitamin D derives naturally from sunlight and the more time we spend indoors, hooked on technology, the less we get, leading to issues such as fatigue, as well as more serious conditions.
Vitamin D is essential to help our bodies absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are vital for bone health and structure. Without vitamin D and the ability to absorb these nutrients, we can experience bone and muscle pain, as well as being at a higher risk of bone fractures and muscle weakness.
While supplements are available and a great tool to use during winter, the best way to increase vitamin D levels is to get outdoors. Being in your garden benefits health by allowing you to soak in natural sunlight, absorbing your recommended amount of vitamin D.
Even on an overcast day, the sun is still present and simply taking a walk or sitting outdoors for a while can give you the boost you need.
There are various ways that your garden benefits health, no matter your age. However, being in nature is particularly useful for children.
It is easy to see the direct influence the natural world has on younger people – which is why outdoor play is highly encouraged during childhood and is even part of their school routine. Being in nature can help improve concentration in children, by giving them time to breathe properly and be away from their usual environments.
This change in scenery is also a great tool for their imagination, as there are plenty of natural stimuli available in gardens and outdoor spaces to get them going. Whether it is imaginative play or simply having the chance to let off steam, encouraging your kids to get in the garden benefits their health and well-being greatly.
Although the change is most noticeable in younger people, adults can also benefit from greater concentration and imagination by getting outdoors. If you are working on a creative project or struggling to concentrate during work, even a short walk around the block or a few moments sitting in the park can give you the mental boost needed to tackle the rest of your to-do list with renewed vigour.
Being outdoors is a great tool to take better care of yourself and your loved ones. While you may not realise it, your garden benefits health and well-being simply by being a natural space you can access on a daily basis.
To encourage you to spend more time outside and ensure that you can take advantage of these health benefits, you may need to renovate your garden. Taming Mother Nature offers garden maintenance, as well as garden design to help you make the most out of your outdoor space and spend more time in it.
