Living close to nature can bring many positive benefits and joys. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, you can escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life, relax in natural spaces, and take some time for yourself. Easy access to fresh air, open fields, forests, rivers, lakes, or other natural areas can reduce stress and improve mental and physical health.
Moreover, living near nature can provide opportunities to explore the outdoors, learn more about the environment, observe wildlife, and enjoy time with family or friends. Here are just some of the various benefits of living close to nature.
1. Fresh air and sunshine
It’s no secret that fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for your health. Several studies have shown that outdoor time can improve mental well-being, increase lifespan and boost immunity. And what better way to enjoy the benefits of fresh air than by living close to nature?
When you buy a house and lot in the countryside, you’re not just investing in a physical space–you’re investing in your health. In addition to fresh air, you’ll enjoy peace, ample opportunities for exercise, and a sense of connection to the natural world. Getting more vitamin D from sunlight can also help strengthen your bones, reduce stress, and improve your mood.
2. Physical activity
Being active is an essential part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Finding time for physical activity can be difficult in today’s hectic world. But when you live close to nature, there are plenty of opportunities for exercise. Whether it’s a leisurely walk in the park or a more strenuous hike in the woods, living close to nature makes it easier for you to get out and get some exercise. Studies have also shown that exercising outdoors can provide additional benefits such as improved concentration, increased motivation, and a more positive outlook on life.
3. Less stress and anxiety
Studies have shown that spending time in nature can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. When trees and wildlife surround you, it’s easier to relax and forget about the worries of everyday life. In fact, spending time in nature has been shown to lower blood pressure levels and reduce stress hormone production. The act of moving around in nature can help reduce stress levels. Outside, there are fewer distractions, and you have to keep up with the pace of life.
4. Increased creativity and focus
The brain is an incredible organ that allows you to think, plan, create and solve problems. However, when you spend too much time indoors and not enough time outdoors, it can lead to a decrease in your creativity levels. This means that when people go for walks in nature or spend time outside more often, they can increase their creativity. The natural world inspires people, which is why they often feel more creative when outside than when they are stuck indoors.
Some studies have even shown that spending time in front of a window with a view of trees or plants can improve creativity levels! This is because the brain switches from being a “left-brain” to a “right-brain” activity. When people are stressed, they often feel less creative and relaxed. This is because their left brain has been activated, but when they are relaxed and calm, their right brain takes over and allows them to think more creatively.
5. Better mental health
Decreased levels of stress and anxiety also help improve mental health. Studies have shown that people suffering from mental health disorders can benefit from spending time outside. A study by the University of British Columbia researchers showed that people with anxiety disorders who spent time in nature were less likely to experience anxiety symptoms.
People suffering from depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) have also been shown to benefit from spending time in nature. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan found that patients with depression who took part in a walking program experienced a decrease in symptoms when they walked through forests as opposed to urban environments.
The Bottom Line
Living close to nature has many benefits, from improved physical and mental health to increased creativity and focus. It also provides ample opportunities for exercise, providing a sense of connection to the natural world. Spending time outdoors can reduce stress and anxiety levels and help improve mood and concentration.
Nature is an invaluable resource that should be taken advantage of whenever possible to reap its numerous rewards. Whether taking a walk in the park or just sitting outside on a sunny day, living close to nature is an effective way to stay healthy and happy.
