1 . The Upside to Being Outside
Research shows that being in nature makes people feel good, whether they’re roughing it in the wilderness for days or just hanging out at a local park for a while. One study was conducted in the city of Birmingham, Alabama. Researchers found that most participants’ mood and well-being improved significantly when they spent time in urban parks, even though the average visit was only around half an hour.
1 For example, scientists in the United Kingdom studied the impact of the “30 Days Wild” campaign. It challenged people to interact with nature for 30 days by enjoying earthy activities like feeding birds and planting flowers. Participants were measurably happier and healthier throughout the challenge…and for months afterwards, too.
How does nature boost people’s happiness? Scientists say that spending time in natural settings reduces stress and anxiety, which benefits mental and physical health. Research shows our brains are more relaxed in natural settings. So, kicking back in a park is a bit like treating your mind to a restful mini vacation.
To most people, it’s not news that nature can be calming. But multiple studies have found that spending time in nature also has some more surprising benefits, like improving creativity and problem-solving. 2 Another found that exposure to nature helped people score better on tests. That’s more proof that going outside is a smart move!
What accounts for the connection with cognition and creativity? It could be that a good dose of nature acts as a cure to information overload. Everyday life involves a lot of multitasking. Some scientists theorize that spending time in nature enables our brains to rest and recover from mental tiredness. 3
Naturally, scientific studies don’t cover everything that’s great about the great outdoors. 4 From recreation and exercise to happiness and creativity, there are lots of upsides to getting outside.
| A．One study revealed that people were better at figuring out puzzles after a four-day camping trip. |
| B．According to many scientific studies, there’s a good chance it’ll make you happier, healthier, and more creative. |
| C．What’s more, the lift people get from nature is long lasting. |
| D．Lots of people enjoy fun activities outside, like swimming, riding bikes, or climbing trees. |
| E．When the only light you’ve seen all day is the glow of a screen, it might be a good idea to switch it off. |
| F．This means that whether you’re studying or playing video games, heading outside to give your brain a break might help you get to the next level. |
