The powerful impact of nature on your health*

How time spent in nature can improve your health

The average adult spends more than 90 precent of their day inside, away from nature, and that's affecting their well-being.

The benefits of nature on your mental health.

The outdoors especially benefit those with:

--ADHD. Research suggests that outdoor activity reduces ADHD symptoms in children.

--PTSD. Nature-based thereapies have become increasiingly common for the treatment of PTSD veterans.

--Stress, anxiety and depression. Nature exposure reduces the symptoms of these conditions by regulating the sympathetic nervous system. 

The benefits of nature on your physical health

Studies have shown that nature exposure

--Improves immune system function through increased exposure to vitamin D and organic compounds that boost the human immune system.

--Decreases blood pressure levels.

--Regulates circadian rhythm, which helps you sleep better.

--Increases the length and intensiity of physical activity.

What counts as nature

Any outdoor green space counts. This can be your backyard, a park, walking trail, or the golf course.

And if you can't get outside, even listening to nature sounds like waves, thunderstorms or bird calls can help you reap the mental and physical benefits of nature.

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*Text is taken from a Wellmark advertisement brochure. The images are my own.