The Rewards of Getting Outside and Experiencing Nyack's Nature

No matter the season or time of year, you really can’t go wrong with embracing the great outdoors. Sadly, it’s something not enough people fit into their lives. A study called The Nature of Americans National Report revealed that more than half of U.S. adults say they spend just five hours in nature each week, while parents of 8-to-12-year-olds say their children spend three times as much time in front of computer and TV screens as they do outside, according to Yale Environment 360.

It’s safe to say this isn’t the healthiest way to spend your time. Fortunately, here in the Nyack region we have an abundance of nature.

There’s plenty of evidence out there that shows putting the tech away and stepping outside can greatly benefit your health. Harvard Medical School reports that by spending more time outside, you’ll automatically boost your body’s vitamin D levels. This is due to the simple fact that you’ll be getting more sun exposure — this can help strengthen your immune system and increase your energy.

Being outdoors is a significant cost saver

Walking around outside also gives you an easy source of exercise. Whether hiking, skiing, swimming, or just taking a short walk down a nature trail, being active outdoors can improve your strength and cardiovascular health. It can also be a significant cost saver. Rather than paying for an expensive gym membership, exploring a state park or swimming in a local lake can be a free
way to embrace needed exercise.

Business Insider’s Kevin Loria reports on some of the other health benefits of being outside. He cites one study that found people who took a walk around an arboretum performed better on a memory test by 20 percent than others who walked through a city street. It suggests going out in nature might improve memory retention.

Loria also cites research that reveals the psychological benefits of enjoying the outdoors. He found one study that showed students who spent two nights in a forest returned with lower levels of cortisol, the hormone tied to stress, compared to others who spent the same amount of time in an urban area. Beyond these health benefits, he points to research that reveals time in nature can reduce inflammation, with one 2012 study showing elderly people who went on a weeklong trip into the woods experienced a decrease in signs of inflammation as well as improved
hypertension levels.

All of this points to one undeniable fact — getting outside is a good thing for your health and wellness. While it might be tempting to stay in the comforts of your own home, taking in the calming — and healing — properties of nature can significantly change your health for the better.

Dr. Kristina Wodicka is a Nyack-based holistic chiropractor who incorporates customized healing and integrative wellness techniques into her practice, Little Waters Wellness.