Living close to nature is a growing trend among young people, intellectuals, and successful individuals seeking a healthier and higher quality of life. The benefits of this lifestyle, as outlined below, may lead many to consider moving to homes near parks or into serene suburban areas.
1. Being close to nature can reduce stress levels.
If someone suffers from chronic stress due to work or life pressures, spending just 20 to 30 minutes in a natural environment can help lower cortisol levels, a hormone released by the body in response to stress. Observations show that those who spend the recommended amount of time in nature experience a significant reduction in stress-related headaches.
To enjoy the benefits of being in nature daily, individuals can choose to sit quietly and listen to natural sounds from their balcony or window. For those living in apartments or crowded urban areas, an alternative is to spend time on weekend walks, observing various plants and animals in a nearby park.
2. Living close to nature helps protect health.
This is the main concern for those who want to enjoy the benefits of living close to nature. While exercising is another effective way to combat stress and improve health, these activities have been shown to enhance mood and reduce stress levels by increasing serotonin production. When it feels challenging to start, exercising in a natural environment can make it easier to begin.
A study has shown that walking in a natural setting helps restore health, whereas walking in urban environments or indoor exercise facilities does not provide this benefit.
On the other hand, engaging in outdoor physical activities also improves the body's vitamin D supply. Spending time in the sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which studies have shown can help prevent cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease.
Additionally, living close to nature boosts the body's immune system. A Japanese study found that women who spent six hours walking in the forest over two days had a significant increase in white blood cells, which help fight off viruses, and this increase lasted for about a week after the experiment.
Humans are creatures of the natural world, constantly interacting with their natural environment, with a close and inseparable relationship.
3. Being outdoors provides a boost of energy.
Most people today lead a sedentary lifestyle, often spending 8 hours a day sitting at a desk. However, taking a 20-minute walk outdoors can help recharge your energy. It’s a better, more natural way to boost your energy than drinking a cup of coffee or smoking a cigarette.
Furthermore, walking in nature also benefits memory. Generally, exercise is highly effective, but a study from the University of Michigan showed that participants who took a walk in nature performed 20% better on memory tests compared to those who walked around the city before taking the test.
4. Greenery helps soothe the eyes.
Although COVID-19 prevention measures are actively implemented, spending time walking in a nearby park still holds significant value. As remote work becomes more common, it's best to spend at least two hours each day outdoors, surrounded by greenery, to help prevent nearsightedness.
Even if going outside isn't possible, relax your eyes by looking at distant trees for a few minutes each hour. The green color of leaves has a soothing effect on the visual receptors in the retina.
5. Nature can inspire and enhance your creativity.
If you’re struggling to find a solution to a challenging problem at work, a walk in a nearby park could spark a creative breakthrough. Research shows that combining walking with being outdoors in nature often generates the most novel and high-quality ideas (compared to sitting in meditation or drinking tea indoors!).
Thus, the benefits of living close to nature are particularly significant for those in artistic fields. It can be a valuable strategy when facing tasks that require exploration, innovation, and continuous creativity.
Living close to nature also benefits memory
6. A peaceful natural environment encourages better focus.
Modern life is filled with countless distractions—social media notifications, ringing phones, car horns, sirens, and alarms. These bombard our minds, causing stress and distraction.
At such times, true concentration involves removing overwhelming stimuli and creating stronger attention. Walking along a lake surrounded by trees helps eliminate unwanted distractions, calming the body and relaxing the mind, allowing focus on the serene surroundings.
7. A nature-friendly environment helps improve sleep.
Living in a big city or crowded urban areas exposes the body to high levels of light and noise pollution. This can make it difficult to fall asleep or disrupt rest, especially for the elderly.
In contrast, residing near a park or in the suburbs means fewer people, less street lighting, and reduced noise. These conditions create an ideal environment for more peaceful, easier, and higher-quality sleep.
Living close to nature improves sleep quality.
8. Living close to nature helps you live longer.
When the benefits of living close to nature accumulate over time, both the quality of life and longevity improve significantly. Additionally, a nature-centric lifestyle can enhance personal happiness.
According to a Finnish study, spending just 15 minutes immersed in nature can help restore mental well-being. Results are even more pronounced when that time is spent walking.
Moreover, nature has a literal healing effect: another study found that people exposed to natural light recover more quickly from spinal surgery and experience less pain compared to others.
In summary, no matter how grand or impressive modern cities may be, people always crave outdoor spaces. The benefits of living close to nature positively impact both physical and mental health. Whether it's having a home near a favorite park or simply spending time relaxing with a daily stroll, everyone can more easily reap these benefits and find life to be lighter and more meaningful.
