As the days grow shorter, the dog walks muddier, and a quick trip to the shops now requires an extra 10 minutes to wrap up, don't forget the exceptional rewards of spending time outdoors and enjoying the beauty of the landscape. Nature offers amazing benefits for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here are a few reasons to step outside and combat the effects of the winter months:
1. Mental health benefits:
Spending time outdoors can significantly reduce stress, anxiety and depression, helping to improve your mood. Green spaces have been shown to lower cortisol levels and boost serotonin and endorphins. Studies indicate that just 20 minutes outside can dramatically lower stress levels and alleviate symptoms of depression. So, the next time you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, step outside, take a deep breath, and aim to incorporate outdoor exercise into your daily routine.
2. Cognitive benefits:
Nature gives us the unique opportunity to reset and relax our brain from the stresses of daily life. Studies on its cognitive impact highlight that time spent outdoors can enhance creativity, improve focus, and improve memory. In fact, just one hour outside has been shown to improve short-term memory and attention spans by 20%! If you have a mental block, or perhaps an important meeting that day, spend some time outdoors to release that creativity and impress your boss!
3. Enhance your sleep:
Research has demonstrated that increased outdoor exposure is associated with improved sleep quality and patterns. Exposure to natural sunlight during the day aids the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep, in turn helping to regulate our circadian rhythm. If you're struggling to fall asleep, make sure you get some sunlight and perhaps create an evening routine including a calming bath.
4. Improved health benefits:
Being outdoors often encourages physical activity, such as walking, running or cycling. This increased movement benefits cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, whilst also reducing the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. In addition, the reduced stress and cortisol levels from being outdoors will also contribute to heart health. Studies have found that as little as 30 minutes in green spaces each week can lower blood pressure, and greater exposure to nature has been associated with a 12% lower mortality rate. Plus, spending time outdoors boosts your Vitamin D levels, which is vital for your immune system- especially during the winter months!
At Bramley we understand the power of nature, harnessing the best of it in our aromatherapeutic blends. Life can be busy, but this winter we encourage you to take the time to reconnect with our beautiful landscapes and notice the difference in how it can make you feel.
