It’s All About Vitamin D
Starting with one of the most basic elements of the outside world – the sun. And it’s the sun that is probably one of the greatest sources of vitamin D. What does this do? It can promote bone and dental health, elevate mood and reduce heart disease, diabetes, and more. As it relaxes blood vessels, it can also improve blood flow.
Your Sleep Is Better In Natural Light
This regulates your body’s levels of melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates your body’s internal clock (basically, it makes you sleepy). The pineal gland (the medical term) or the melatonin-producing part of your brain is influenced by the amount of light it receives. It remains dormant during the day and is switched on at night time. A good balance ensures a healthy sleep cycle.
Goodbye to Electronics
Being outside can really force you to unplug from all the devices, which can be a huge stress reliever. A University of California, Irvine study discovered that people who had ongoing access to incoming messages all day long displayed higher heart rates than those who were cut off from their devices. Going off the grid is a great way to unwind.
Nature Helps You Center Your Mind
According to a study by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, natural environments force people to focus on ther surroundings, making their attentions less split. A focused mind is a relaxed body.
More Oxygen Equals Better Sense of Well-being
Oxygen levels in your brain are connected to your serotonin levels. These determine your mood, memory, social behavior and appetite, and more. A serotonin overload can make you irritable, while too low can make you depressed. The negative ion-rich oxygen found in nature also has a positive and relaxing effect on the body. Negatively ionized air promotes alpha brain waves and ups brain wave amplitude, which results in a calm and peaceful feeling.
Soil Also Promotes Your Serotonin Levels
It’s not only the air but the ground too. Scientists at the University of Colorado at Boulder found that that Mycobacterium vaccae, a harmless bacteria commonly found in soil can help release and metabolism of serotonin in parts of the brain that control mood, thus behaving almost as an antidepressant.