Quite a bit of seems pretty intuitive seasoned with some actual data.
A researcher at Chiba University in Japan found that people who spend 40 minutes walking in a cedar forest had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, compared to spending 40 minutes walking in a lab. (TIME, July 25, 2016, p. 24)
Other studies cited indicate exposure to nature can lower blood pressure; increase awe (yes, that's a thing); promote cancer-fighting cells; and help curb depression and anxiety. And, to top it all, even fake nature has benefits.
I suggest you read more about it.
Most interesting to me is how short spurts in the great outdoors offers natural booster shots.
Just a 20 minute walk through a park for schoolkids allowed them to concentrate better afterwards.
The fresh air. The sounds of waves crashing on the shore. Bird calls and rumbles of thunder can smooth us out internally.
For me, a walk through a park with my camera is an escape. Riding over quiet country hills clears my mind of the week's clutter.
It's a bit surprising, really, we need science to tell us this information. Our moms wanted us to go play outside.
We'd play, we'd get tired, and we would sleep better at night which meant less stress for us (and mom) and better able to do our regular stuff.
And, since you've known seen this on the internet, and know it's true, use this as a reason to go out and get yourself a does of nature today.
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