The Health Benefits of Outdoor Spaces

We spend a great deal of time indoors – more than any other society in history. However, all this time cooped up inside has a considerable effect on both the mind and the body. With that in mind, here are just a few of the unbelievable health benefits of outdoor spaces.

Reduced stress

This may come as no surprise to those who frequent natural areas, but city dwellers report higher levels of stress than their rural-dwelling counterparts. In fact, an article by the NHS found that people who live in cities have increased activity in an area of the brain called the amygdala, which signals negative emotions and environmental threats.

So, if you can make time in your day to escape from the buzz of everyday life, then you might just find that you feel happier and less stressed. Sounds great to us.

Increased mindfulness

The peace and quiet of outdoor spaces can be great for honing the mind. The lack of everyday distractions like TV, your phone, your computer, etc, helps you to focus on what is happening in the moment and experience it fully.

Boosts your memory and concentration

Researchers at The University of Michigan concluded that just 1 hour of walking in the countryside can boost brain performance by a fifth! It is still not known why this is the case, but one researcher suggests that it is because “nature does not make any demands of you”.

By this, he means that being in outdoor spaces does not require any concentration or attention, and so it lets your brain switch off. This experience then allows your brain to restore itself. Remember, your brain is an organ, and it cannot constantly work on overload – it needs a break, too.

Longer life

Yes, you heard it here first. A regular dose of nature can actually increase your lifespan by up to 2 whole years. This is due to a combination of factors, but research suggests that there’s just something about nature that your body needs. After all, we are the only beings on Earth that live indoors… just let that sink in for a moment.

Faster healing

Scientists genuinely have no idea about why this one works, but apparently even just looking at nature can make you recover more quickly from injury. Greener views also make people less receptive to pain. This is all great news if you’re the clumsy type!

Less illness

Fresh air can prevent you from getting ill as often. Studies show that the combination of a lack of artificial pollutants and an increase of natural microbes can boost your immune system, therefore making you less susceptible to illness. So, if you tend to be under the weather a lot, maybe it’s time to get out and immerse yourself within nature.

Need help creating inviting outdoor spaces?

And there you have it; 6 amazing health benefits of outdoor spaces. Whether you want to reduce stress, boost your brain, or simply live a longer, healthier life, spending more time outside is the way to do it.

If you’d like to create more outdoor living spaces in your home or commercial building, get in touch. Urban Landscapes have a plethora of experience in all things outdoor living and we can help to design and landscape the ideal space for you. Call us on 01829 740194 or send us an email at [email protected]. We can’t wait to hear from you!