Are you missing the healthiest of all the greens?

Kale, spinach, arugula, romaine, chard… they all do wonders for your body and mind. But there’s another green that supports your health and well-being even more. And it’s one you’re probably not getting enough of….

The greenery of the great outdoors.

Spending time outside is one of the best things you can do for your health. And the science supporting this fact continues to pile up…

Recently, researchers from the University of Derby and the University of Cardiff in the UK analyzed 13 different studies on how spending time in nature affects your mental well-being and heart rhythms.

They found that spending time outside is associated with greater joy, calm, wonder, ecstasy, comfort and even a more balanced heart rhythm.

In other words, getting out in nature is the easiest and cheapest way to soothe your mind and body at the same time. But if you still need more motivation to spend time outside, a UK study published earlier this year showed that you need a recommended daily dose of nature (just like you do for vitamins and minerals) in order to stay healthy…

According to these researchers, spending time in parks lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of heart disease, and prevents depression and anxiety. But to experience these benefits you need to get your recommended daily allowance (RDA) of outdoor time… at least 30 minutes per week in a park.

That’s less than five minutes per day, which is more than manageable. In fact, I’d say you shoot for at least 30 minutes per day. Because if you commit to more time, you’ll experience more benefits….

Like becoming more creative, kinder and more generous.

A 2012 study found that hikers on a backpacking trip could solve more creative puzzles than a control group that wasn’t spending time outdoors. And a 2014 study found that people exposed to beautiful nature scenes before playing an economics board game were more generous and trusting when they played the game.

So if you want to be healthier, more joyful, calmer, more creative and kinder, it’s time to start getting your daily dose of green. Here are some creative ways to make spending time in nature a daily health habit:

• Exercise outside. There’s nothing quite as invigorating and health-promoting as the combination of fresh air and exercise.
• Pick up an outdoor hobby like nature photography, painting landscapes or bird watching. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself spending hours upon hours out in nature.
• Go camping. It’s a great way to get a lot of nature in all at once.
• Have a picnic. What’s more satisfying than eating a delicious meal in a beautiful setting?
• Take a nap in nature. All you need is a hammock, lounge chair or a blanket.
• Attend outdoor community activities like concerts, festivals and craft shows. These are fun ways to get outside and socialize.
• Volunteer at your local park district, forest preserve or arboretum. You could also volunteer to walk dogs at your local shelter. You’ll be improving your health and the world all at the same time.

Sources:

1. Richardson et al. “Joy and Calm: How an Evolutionary Functional Model of Affect Regulation Informs Positive Emotions in Nature.” Evolutionary Psychological Science (2016).

2. F. Shanahan, et al. “Health Benefits from Nature Experiences Depend on Dose.” Scientific Reports, 2016; 6: 28551.

3. “How Nature Can Make You Kinder, Happier, and More Creative.” Greater Good In Action, University of California-Berkley. http://ggia.berkeley.edu/. Retrieved September, 18, 2016.