Looking for an easy way to relieve stress? Try this doctor-approved method to improve your mental, physical health

Why does going outside make you happy?

Stress it’s all around us, but so is the remedy available: outside. Experts say going outside can have a positive effect on both of us mind and physical health.

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

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

“It’s been shown to improve our memory,” he adds.

Naturalism is not a new school of thought. Doctors have known the benefits of spending time outside for years.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Sarah Paper earlier explained that sunlight is part of what makes the outdoors so exciting.

“The sun seems to increase our serotonin, which makes us happy and feel more connected, not only to the people closest to us outside, which is a big part, but also connected to the larger universe, ” he added. which he recommends spending at least two hours a week in nature.

To enhance natural satisfaction, Slot suggests breathing fresh air and focusing on the things that interest you and the sounds around you.

You don’t need to live near a beautiful mountain or other spectacular place to feel the results.

“Even dandelions are good,” Paper says. “If you can take the beauty that’s there, and not just see it as a weed, that helps us and trains our brain not to look at things that are ugly or offensive but instead look at the beauty in the world around us and give us hope.

Psychologist Dr. Rita Eichenstein said 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, breathe… …You’ll be a different person and it only takes 20 minutes.”

How to stay safe while enjoying the outdoors

Although the good outdoors can benefit our health, some aspects of it can also harm it – such as skin cancer from the sun and disease-causing insects. Here are some tips to stay safe while you’re sober:

Wear sunscreen: A sunscreen that contains SPF of 30 or higher i your best defense against the harmful rays of the sun.

Protect against pests: Consider insect repellent if you will be outside for long periods of time. The CDC recommends using an EPA-registered insect repellent that contains DEET or similar insect repellants, listed on its website. As soon as you get back into the house, do that checking the signal and keep an eye on any suspected bites.

Watch out for extreme heat: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends trying to stay indoors with air conditioning if possible in the high summer heat. But if you’re going to go outside, experts recommend wearing light, loose clothing, staying hydrated and slow down to prevent problems like. heat exhaustion and heat exhaustion.

—Kirsten Mitchell contributed reporting.