Take a Hike: The Benefits of Spending Time in Nature
“IN EVERY WALK WITH NATURE ONE RECEIVES FAR MORE THAN HE SEEKS.” - JOHN MUIR
As residents of rural Ontario, we are fortunate to live in a place with deep blue lakes, dense forests, running rivers, amazing trails and expansive green spaces. Not only do we treasure these things, but it’s also becoming more and more apparent that nature is very important for our health. In these times of soaring rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and mental illness, nature can be a powerful antidote.
Conservation Areas provide easy access to nature. Lucky for us, O’Hara Mill is one of Quinte Conservation’s 21 conservation areas, so unspoiled green space is abundant ‘round here.
Whether you are young or old, wealthy or poor, live urban or rural; a two-hour “dose” of nature a week can significantly boost your health and wellbeing. Even if you simply sit and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Here are 5 amazing benefits you can get from taking a trip to O’Hara Mill and spending some time in nature with us:
1. SPENDING TIME IN NATURE MAKES US HAPPY
Various studies have shown that time in green space improves mental health. In 2009, a team of Dutch researchers found a lower incidence of depression and anxiety in people who lived within one half mile of green space. Access to green space also improves self esteem, decreases negative emotions, and has been shown to improve our satisfaction with our homes, our jobs and life in general.
2. BEING IN NATURE IS GOOD FOR YOUR BRAIN
Exposure to natural beauty elicits feelings of awe, which in turn gives us a mental boost. Being in nature also allows our prefrontal cortex, the brain’s command centre, to dial down and rest which is restorative. Studies have also shown people are more creative after spending time in nature. A 50-minute walk in nature compared to walking along a city street can increase executive attention skills, including improved short-term memory.
3. NATURE HELPS BOOST OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
Scientists have found that when people spend time in natural surroundings — forests, parks and other places with plenty of trees — they experience increased immune function. Our immune system, the body's handy defense against infectious invaders, can be boosted by the interaction with phytoncides. These are airborne chemicals that plants emit to protect themselves from rotting and insects, which are conveniently also linked to having benefits for humans too.
4. EXPOSURE TO NATURE AND GREENERY IS GOOD FOR STUDENTS
Students who can see trees and grass perform better at school, as natural surroundings assist cognitive functioning. Even a plant in a classroom can have a positive impact on stress and anxiety. Research on children with ADHD has shown that time in nature resulted in improved attention span. Time in the park also means less time in front of the TV or a computer, it’s a win-win.
5. WALKING IN THE WOODS IS GOOD FOR YOUR PHYSICAL WELL BEING
The most cutting edge research on the nature-health link is happening in Japan where scientists are measuring the physical effects of “forest bathing,” known as shinrin-yoku. These effects include decreased blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol levels. In 2013 more than 10,000 Canadians participated in the David Suzuki Foundation 30X30 challenge; 30 minutes in nature for 30 days. Participants reported increased well-being and energy, improved sleep, and decreased stress and negativity. When outside and sunlight hits the skin, it begins a process that leads to the creation and activation of vitamin D, which is helps our bodies absorb other important nutrients and improves mental state.
There’s no question about it, access to parks and green space has multiple significant health benefits. This treatment also does not require a prescription, has no side effects, is readily available and free. Nature truly is the best form of medicine.
Plan your next outdoor adventure at O’Hara Mill! For more information on our trail system, click here.
Be sure to keep your eyes open for Quinte Conservation’s ‘Take a Hike’ Program Check Point. Grab a selfie with it and share on social media with #StepIntoNature and #OHaraMill.