Benefits of Spending Time in Nature

There’s nothing quite like spending time in nature; whether you take a walk in your local park or spend a few minutes tending to your garden, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature. 

Getting outside is a great way to relax, but there are also incredible health benefits that come along with spending time in nature. Research has shown that older adults living close to natural areas are more likely to participate in outdoor physical activities, improve their mental health, and increase their social interactions with their community. 

At Village Green Senior Living, our commitment to providing an enriching lifestyle is reflected by our strong belief in the healing powers of nature. Our senior living communities in Federal Way and West Seattle are inspired by our love of the outdoors, which is why we believe that spending time in nature is an excellent way to embrace wellness.  

Here are just a few of the many benefits of spending time in nature so you can make the most out of your time outdoors!

Soak Up Vitamin D

Whether you’re looking for a new home with plenty of windows or you’re trying to snap the perfect outdoor photo of your family, natural light can come in handy for many situations. In fact, a survey reported by the Harvard Business Review found that natural light and view of the outdoors were the number one attribute of a workplace environment, outranking all other on-site amenities like fitness centers or cafeterias. 

When we expose ourselves to sunlight, our skin absorbs vitamin D, which is an essential nutrient that can prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of heart disease. 

Enjoying the sunlight can also ward off mental health issues like seasonal depression. As we get closer to the fall and winter months, roughly six percent of the population undergo a period of seasonal affective disorder, which is a form of depression that’s provoked by the changing of the seasons. 

Reduce Stress + Improve Mental Health

Disconnecting from our devices and routines by spending time outdoors positively impacts mental health, and many studies have found that interacting with nature can even promote cognitive function. 

More importantly, many of these studies have proposed that humans have always had an innate drive to connect with nature. One study in particular, known as the “stress reduction hypothesis,” suggests that when humans spend more time outside in nature, it can trigger a physiological response that naturally lowers stress levels in the body. 

Generally, the healing powers of nature on the mind are truly remarkable and have shown time and time again that the emotional, mental, and even existential benefits go beyond improving cognitive function or reducing stress levels. Nature has been proven to increase happiness, well-being, and our sense of meaning and purpose in life. 

Boost Endurance and Stamina

There are plenty of activities and exercises that you can do outside to connect with nature and reap the benefits of low-impact physical activities, like Tai Chi or Yoga. These exercises are also a wonderful way to practice mindfulness and further engage with the natural world around you! 

By getting outside and being active, you can build up your endurance over time and, as a result, improve physical wellness and achieve a higher level of stamina so you can participate in more activities without becoming quickly fatigued. 

When we participate in activities outside, exposure to fresh air helps our bodies detox processed air naturally. Studies have shown that when people spend time outside in fresh air, energy levels can increase by 90 percent. Research has suggested that connecting with nature is a better energy boost than a cup of coffee! Even just 20 minutes a day of getting outside and enjoying the fresh air can help increase vitality levels.

At Village Green Senior Living, you can see the impact of our philosophy on nature all around our communities, especially in the natural landscapes that have been lovingly cultivated to inspire and provide the perfect connection to the environment. There’s a reason that Village Green is the natural choice for senior living where you can live in a close-knit neighborhood surrounded by the tranquility and beauty of nature. We invite you to contact us today to learn more about life at Village Green!