Actress Amanda Seyfried finds something special in life on her farm: a chance to go outside and slow down.
“It’s incredibly grounding to be surrounded by nature and by animals who live simply and without ego,” the actress told InStyle. For Seyfried, caring for animals and spending time outdoors brings a sense of peace.
Of course, you don’t need a farm like a Hollywood actress to enjoy time in nature. A local park, a tree-lined sidewalk or a backyard can offer a welcome break from busy schedules and screens. And research supports making that break a habit.
A study of nearly 20,000 adults, published in Scientific Reports, found that spending at least two hours a week in nature was associated with better self-reported health and well-being. That time could be spread across several visits.
Here we bring you fiver reasons to head outside and enjoy the best nature has to offer.
With cooler days and colorful leaves, fall is a good time to start. Here are five reasons to head outside.
A small study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that spending time in nature reduced levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. Visits lasting 20 to 30 minutes offered the greatest benefit relative to time spent. Try sitting beneath a tree or taking a quiet walk after school.
In a Stanford-led study, adults who took a 90-minute nature walk reported less repetitive negative thinking afterward. Those who walked through an urban setting did not experience the same change. When worries keep circling, a peaceful outdoor setting may help you shift your attention.
A randomized study of 92 adults compared 40-minute walks in natural and urban settings. Researchers found that the nature walk improved a brain-based measure of executive attention, which helps us manage distractions. Consider an outdoor break between demanding tasks.
A Danish study following more than 900,000 people linked greener childhood surroundings with a lower risk of psychiatric disorders later in life. The findings show an association, rather than proof of prevention, but offer another reason to make outdoor play part of family routines.
Daylight helps regulate the body’s sleep-wake clock. NIH sleep guidance recommends spending time outside daily. A morning stroll or afternoon park visit can help families catch daylight as the days shorten.
Ready? Start small: collect leaves, watch birds or walk together after dinner. Outdoor time can be one simple part of caring for your family’s mental health.
