A recent study released by South University shows spending time in nature can improve a person’s mental health, is a form of stress relief, and can improve the overall quality of children’s lives.
According to Dr. Susanne Preston, a Clinical Mental Health Counseling instructor at South University, located in Virginia Beach, exposure to natural sunlight and fresh air have the largest benefit because they increase vitamin D in skin to help elevate moods.
Dr. Preston also noted that research indicates spending time in nature is associated with reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, in addition to increased self-esteem. Time spent outdoors is also linked to positive effects on physical health, most notably obesity.
Increased levels in vitamin D are known to help fight certain conditions such as osteoporosis, cancer, and heart attacks according to the 2010 edition of the Harvard Health Letter.
Children also benefit greatly from time spent in the outdoors according to Robyn Bjornson, executive assistant at the Children and Nature Network.
“Children who regularly experience nature play are healthier, happier, and test better in school,” Bjornson notes. “Spending time in natural surroundings stimulates children’s creativity.”
Hunters and other outdoorsmen already know this to be fact. It is a frequent and integral part of their lives to take a walk around the woods, spend time shooting sporting clays, send our kids to experience a Trailblazer Adventure Day, and enjoy a laugh around the campfire after a long day in the field.