Earth Day is an annual event on April 22nd, celebrated globally. First held in 1970, Earth Day was created to mobilize people to do activities focused on supporting environmental issues and helping protect our environment. Spending time and doing activities outside is not only good for the environment, but it is also highly beneficial for your health. While celebrating Earth Day this year, note how you benefit your health while being outside in nature.
1 – Increased Happiness – Daily sunlight and fresh air help ease depression symptoms like low mood and fatigue. It also helps our bodies produce Vitamin D, an essential vitamin associated with regulating mood and decreasing the risk of depression.
2 – Improved Sleep – Our bodies’ internal clock typically follows the sun, making you feel awake during the daytime and sleep at night. Exposure to sunlight during the day can improve your sleep by helping you feel more tired at night, shortening the time it takes to fall asleep, and improving the quality of your rest.
3 – Decrease Stress – Spending time outdoors in nature can help calm our busy brains by helping to lower blood pressure, enhance immune system function, increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and improve mood – all the things that help you feel less stressed and anxious day-to-day.
Lastly, studies have shown that people who feel connected with nature have reported significantly greater health and well-being benefits.
Sources:
https://alignedmodernhealth.com/earth-day-2022-nature-as-medicine/https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature#:~:text=From%20a%20stroll%20through%20a,upticks%20in%20empathy%20and%20cooperation
