Why You Should Go Outside, Right Now!

For many of us, our youth was spent playing outdoors. From first thing in the morning to well after the sun had set, we would be out breathing in fresh air, seeking fun, getting exercise and playing in nature (or at least back alleys). Doing this would help stimulate us, improve motor skills, build a sense of independence, develop an appreciation for the environment, and foster many more positive attributes. As children, the world was such a big place and there was so much going on that we didn’t understand, but the one thing that we knew for sure was that being outside was where we wanted to be. Outside was where our friends were, where we could play, learn, be creative, burn off energy, be inspired and just be ourselves. Little did we know that there was so many benefits to what we were doing that would help us thrive as adults. But as we got older, many of us pushed being outside farther down the list of priorities. Many blame being too busy; not having free time, the energy or even remembering to schedule it into our calendars as the main reason why we stayed inside on a beautiful day. If you want to be less stressed and more healthy, creative, and inspired, it’s time to challenge some of that thinking!

There are numerous scientific studies that go into why we as adults should stop what we are doing right now and just go outdoors. You can get lost in the pages upon pages of websites on the internet that talk about this very thing but to save everyone some time, I have highlighted the important takeaways:

Physical activity has so many benefits to improve your health. It reduce the risk of developing illnesses, prevents obesity, strengthen bones and muscles and it increases your chances of living longer. When you are active in nature, there is a boost of energy and heightened sense of well being that lasts much longer than the caffeine from a cup of coffee and more powerful than that so called energy drink.

When we are outside in nature, our bodies begin to positively react to their surroundings. Stress is relieved within minutes of exposure to the outdoors. Time spent in green spaces significantly reduces your cortisol, which is a stress hormone. Being outdoors also boosts endorphin levels and dopamine production, which promotes happiness. So that feeling you get when you are perched on a mountain peak or when you come through a clearing to a secluded lake is your body being stimulated by the environment. When my friends and I go on hiking trips, we like to share numerous tales about previous adventures and stories from our past because being in nature actually increases brain function. Studies have shown that nature walks provide individuals with a mental boost and have memory-promoting effects. So the next time that you have that brain fog or creative block, just get outside and take a walk in a lush park to allow your brain to restore itself. When the prefrontal cortex quiets down and the brain is simply engaged with the present moment, it has the freedom to wander, imagine possibility, and generate ideas.

That all sounds pretty spectacular doesn’t it! Who wouldn’t want a clearer mind, stronger body, increased brain function, improved mental health, and blossoming creativity? Well, apparently 84% of Canadian adults are not active enough. According to Statistics Canada, only 16% are getting the recommended amount of physical activity (150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week). So, let’s not worry about the rest of Canada or even North America for that matter; let’s just focus on you. The next time you plan to see your family, ask them to join you at the park. When your friends want to go to the bar, ask them to join you out around a campfire instead. In your evenings, instead of sitting down on the couch, sit down on your bicycle and take a ride. Spend your weekend at the lake, in the mountains, forests, prairies, or wherever you can to break away from the city life and explore the wilderness.

So right here, right now, plan to get into nature sometime in the next day or two and commit to being as active outside as possible so you can lower your stress levels, be more healthy, and be creative. You only have one body (and mind, and spirit), so treat it right – you deserve it!  

- Artistry of Adventure