Evoke a feeling of calmness by lowering stress levels, slowing your heart rate and restoring concentration by simply enjoying nature.

physical

Time spent outdoors encourages a healthy and active lifestyle, which can have a noticeable effect on your overall physical health. Some benefits:

People living near green areas, such as parks, are more likely to engage in physical activity outdoors. British researchers found that children are twice as active when outside, improving bone and muscle strength as well as balance and coordination.

Encourages more exercise

Produces vitamin D

Your body uses ultraviolet B rays from the sun to make vitamin D. Ten minutes of sun a few times a week is enough to generate the USDA-recommended amount of Vitamin D, which may reduce your risk of some cancers, stroke and more.

May reducerisk of cardiovascular disease

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, being outdoors may help lessen the risk factors that lead to cardiovascular disease such as increased heart rate, heightened cortisol levels, stress and muscle tension.

Revs up exertion

The amount of time outdoors shown to reduce physical effects of stress according to researchers from cornell university.

Two hours per week outside (or an average of 17 minutes per day) is enough to benefit your health, according to a 2019 study published in the journal, Scientific Reports.

minutes

Getting outside is simple. Here are a few ways your family can enjoy the benefits of nature.

• Stargaze • Have a picnic • Ride a bike • Play bocce ball • Tend the garden • Visit a state park • Golf with friends • Swim or sunbathe • Try yoga outdoors • Play fetch with Fido • Take a walk in the park • Break out the roller skates • Draw or write outside • Take photos of nature • Enjoy the sunset • Watch the birds • Go hiking • Fly a kite • Go fishing

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out

Discover how time spent outdoors can benefit your physical and mental health. Plus essentials from Hy-Vee to keep you safe from the elements.

outside

Take it

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Mental

Sunshine can lighten your mood as well as restore and strengthen mental capabilities. Some benefits:

Improves memory

Being exposed to natural environments may help improve working (or short-term) memory, according to the American Psychological Association. In one 2012 study, participants’ memory spans increased after a nature walk compared to a walk in an urban setting.

Fosters happiness

University of Washington research participants reported increased feelings of happiness and overall well-being after time outdoors. Participants in a Japanese study reported fewer markers of anxiety and stress, including lowered heart rate and blood pressure.

Encourages social interactions

Being in nature may help improve personal relationships. Research compiled by the American Psychological Association reports an increase in prosocial behaviors such as empathy and generosity among participants due to lower feelings of stress.

Reduces symptoms of mood disorders

A Stanford University study found that walking in nature may lead to a lower risk of depression compared to walking in an urban area. Another study found that a 2-hour session of forest bathing significantly improved depressive symptoms among the participants.

A feeling of belonging in the world is important for proper mental health. Participants in a study from Stanford University who took a walk in a natural setting were more likely to report feeling a greater sense of belonging than those who walked through an urban neighborhood.

Sense of connection

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An outdoor activity like bird-watching can combine social interactions with time in nature to lift spirits.

10 minutes

Motion

Green circle graphic indicate motion is active.

Motion