Want an easy way to relieve stress? Try this doctor-approved way to improve your physical and mental health

Why does going outside make you feel good?

Stress it’s all around us, but so is an accessible antidote: the outside. Experts say that going outside can have a positive impact on both our mental i physical health.

“The outdoors has many amazing benefits for us,” said pediatrician general Dra. Vanessa Slots he told CBS Minnesota station WCCO. “There are many studies that show that being in nature, even if it’s just sitting under a tree every day, reduces our stress, which in turn can reduce blood pressure, heart rate and these hormones of the stress, like cortisol.”

In addition to helping people with anxiety and depression, Slots says there are ongoing studies on how time outdoors could also benefit people with adhd.

“It has been shown that it can improve our memory, even,” he adds.

The power of nature is not a new school of thought. Doctors have known the benefits of spending time outdoors for years.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Sarah Paper above explained that sunlight is part of what makes the weather outside so uplifting.

“The sun seems to increase our serotonin, which makes us happier and we can feel more connected, not only to the people around us who are also outside, that’s a big part, but also connected to the universe more big,” he said, adding. which recommends spending at least two hours a week in nature.

To optimize the calming effect of nature, Slot suggests breathing fresh air and focusing on the sights and sounds around you.

You also don’t have to live near a magnificent mountain or other spectacular landscape to feel its effects.

“Even a nice dandelion,” says Paper. “If you can look at the beauty there, and not just see it as a weed, that helps us and trains our brains not to look for negative or annoying things, but to look for the beauty of the world around us. give’ our hope, too.”

Neuropsychologist Dr. Rita Eichenstein he told CBS Los Angeles in 2021 that even a few minutes outside can quickly reduce stress levels, especially when combined with exercise.

“Research has shown that being in nature is calming,” she said. “If you have 20 minutes… take it and move your body. Walk around the block, get some fresh air, breathe in, breathe out… You’ll be a different person and it only takes 20 minutes.”

How to stay safe while enjoying the outdoors

Although the outdoors can help our health, some parts can also harm it, such as skin cancer from the sun and disease-carrying insects. Here are some tips to stay safe while you’re wrecking:

Use sunscreen: A broad spectrum sunscreen with a SPF 30 or higher is your best defense against the harmful rays of the sun.

Protect against pests: Consider an insect repellent if you are outdoors for an extended period. The CDC advises using an EPA-registered insect repellent that contains DEET or another insect repellent ingredients, which appears on its website. When you get back inside, do it a check and watch for any suspected bite area.

Beware of extreme heat: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends trying to stay indoors with air conditioning when possible during the heat of summer. But if you’re going to be outside, experts recommend wearing light, loose-fitting clothing, staying hydrated and taking it slow to avoid problems like heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

–Kirsten Mitchell contributed to this report.