It may not be news to some, but spending time in nature is really healthy. For those of us who prefer to stay comfortably indoors when the thermometer shows almost minus temperatures, here are some tips. The latest research, brilliantly summarized in the book The Nature Fix by the famous author and scientist Florence Williams, should convince even the laziest of us that we should pull out our warm clothes and head out of the city into the forest at least a few times a month.
Improving health
It sounds straightforward, forest air is good for us. However, this "old wives' tale" has a basis in scientific research. The air in the forest is demonstrably cleaner than the air we breathe in cities, and is therefore fantastic for improving overall health. People with respiratory diseases who visit nature, even by visiting the mountains and nature just once a week, noticeably improve their health.
Better sleep
Whether you head to our Tatra Mountains or just outside the house to the forest, the physical activity you do is great not only for your overall health. Florence Williams found a direct correlation between the quality of sleep associated with physical activity in nature. Despite the fact that you will definitely sweat more in a shorter time in the gym, the lower temperatures that your body experiences in the mountains contribute to a deeper and better sleep after your walk. Regardless of whether you lie down under the stars or in the warmth of your home.
You will achieve your goal.
It's common in life to set goals that we want to overcome. But when was the last time you set a goal that was as straightforward as climbing a steep mountain or hill? Focusing on something not only helps you push your limits further, but it also gives you the determination to tackle seemingly complicated problems head-on. Not to mention how well you think things through while hiking. The toughest problems are sure to seem easier after a few hours of walking.
The color green helps
It sounds a bit like magic, but the color green is actually good for our brains. Research shows that regular exposure to the colors of the forest reduces the hormone cortisol in our bodies, which is responsible for stress. We often look for solutions to avoid stress, and yet it's so simple. Just go for a walk.
You relax without distractions
In addition to polluted air, other, sometimes quite essential things are absent in the forest. There is often no signal, no billboards, television, noise from the streets... A person suddenly finds himself alone with himself without the distraction of smartphones or other devices. The day is suddenly longer, we can slow down, think. Our brains are demonstrably more easily focused after time spent in nature, so occasionally switching off and relaxing without the possibility of any distractions is certainly not harmful.
