“Okay, it is time for you to go outside and play,” might be a way for moms to get a break from child rearing during summer. She’s right. Researchers have studied outdoor time and found the benefits of spending two to three hours per week in nature were similar to the benefits of getting two to three hours of physical exercise a week.
Nature enhances health by reducing people’s mental workload and relieving their constant need to make decisions.
Source: elemental, July 1, 2019. Link.
Nature relaxes the constraints of a busy and distracted mind — similar to how mindfulness interventions improve mental health. Embracing the great outdoors cuts down on that mental rumination and can boost well-being in the process.
INSIGHTS: If like mine, your mom told you to go outside and play with a tone that bordered on disciplining, give her a call to thank her for teaching you to enjoy being outside. Remember to use insect repellent and sunscreen! 😉