By: Kirstin Spanu
Fredericksburg Food Co-op

Spending time outdoors is more than just a pleasant escape from the demands of daily life—it’s a vital contributor to our overall health and well-being. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors. While this lifestyle provides us with many conveniences such as air conditioning, entertainment, and comfortable seating, it also exposes us to higher concentrations of indoor air pollutants and encourages a sedentary way of life. The EPA reports that the concentration of air pollutants indoors can be anywhere from 2-5 times higher than outdoors. Given these facts, it might be time to reconsider where and how we choose to relax, especially after a long work week.

When you think about winding down, rather than reaching for the remote control or settling into a cozy couch, consider stepping outside to a natural setting. This simple change could offer numerous benefits for both your physical and mental health. The National Park Service (NPS) highlights the importance of spending time in nature, listing a variety of reasons why it can make us smarter, stronger, healthier, and happier. For example, walking through a natural environment has been shown to enhance cognitive function and memory. A literature review by Scherz et al. supports this claim, noting that “exposure to natural environments has been shown to improve performance on working memory, cognitive-flexibility, and attentional-control tasks.” Remarkably, it only takes about 20 minutes in nature to begin seeing these cognitive benefits, according to the NPS.

In addition to boosting brain power, walking in nature also contributes to physical health by strengthening the cardiovascular system. Regular walking, especially in a natural setting, is a low-impact workout that keeps the heart and blood vessels in good shape. The simple act of moving your legs and swinging your arms not only gets your blood circulating but also strengthens your heart with every step. Improved circulation can reduce inflammation and contribute to overall health. Moreover, physical movement in nature activates the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in immune function by helping to eliminate toxins from the body.

The benefits of spending time outdoors extend to mental health as well. The NPS states that just “five minutes of walking in nature improves mood, self-esteem, and relaxation.” Physical activity in a green space is particularly effective at reducing stress, as it can lower cortisol levels by as much as 15%. Stress reduction is not just a matter of feeling better in the moment; it has long-term implications for overall health, as chronic stress is linked to numerous health problems. According to UC Davis Health, being outside can also improve your sleep. Exposure to natural light helps regulate your body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. This is especially important given that insufficient sleep is associated with several of the top leading causes of death in the U.S., including heart disease and stroke.

Fortunately for residents of Virginia, there are ample opportunities to reap the benefits of the great outdoors. The state boasts 22 national parks and 42 state parks, providing a wide range of natural environments to explore. Whether you’re drawn to the mountains, the shoreline, or the many scenic areas in between, Virginia’s parks offer something for everyone. These parks not only offer the chance to get moving and improve your health but also provide opportunities to learn about local history.

For example, a visit to Historic Jamestown offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the earliest English settlements in America. Here, you can learn about the first legislative assembly in the New World, the cultures of Native American tribes in the area, and the arrival of the first Africans in the colony of Virginia. Walking through these historically significant sites allows you to absorb the rich history of the region while simultaneously benefiting from the natural environment.

In conclusion, the next time you consider how to unwind, think beyond indoor comforts and explore the natural beauty that Virginia has to offer. Whether you’re looking to boost your cognitive function, improve your cardiovascular health, reduce stress, or simply enjoy a good night’s sleep, spending time in nature is a simple and effective way to enhance your overall well-being. With so many parks and natural spaces to choose from, there’s no reason not to step outside and start reaping the benefits today.

For more information on the benefits of nature, visit the National Park Service and UC Davis Health websites:

• National Park Service
• UC Davis Health