treadmill in the air conditioned gym, but being
outside impacts those systems more effectively.
General movement provides a boost in
endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers. Being
outside also increases your body’s intake of certain
vitamins, including Vitamin D from the sun, a
natural way to strengthen bones and avoid
osteoarthritis.
Mental Health
Mental health benefits from the outdoors are
more difficult to track, but forest-bathing research
by the Japanese also notes improvements, notably
from those negatively-charged ions previously
mentioned. The practice of spending time outdoors
relieves stress and induces a feeling of comfort or
relaxation. Though research in this area is still new,
many organizations are beginning to embrace it.
“Opportunities to walk in nature and connect
with the peaceful environment has a positive effect
on people who may be suffering from depression,
anxiety or other mental health related challenges,”
says Steubing.
The Canadian Mental Health Association has
begun an Ontario-wide initiative recognizing the
impact of nature on your mental health with “Mood
Walks.”
Connecting with Hike Ontario and
Conservation Ontario, Mood Walks “provides
training and support for community mental health
agencies, social service organizations and other
community partners to launch educational hiking
programs, connect with local resources, find
volunteers, and explore nearby trails and green
spaces,” according to the CMHA website.
Research from the CMHA shows that regular
use of physical activity in natural areas can reduce
the risk of mental health problems by as much as 50
per cent. Other research from CMHA shows a daily
walk in nature is the equivalent of taking an
antidepressant.
Even just looking outside has physical benefits as early as 1984, studies were showing that hospital
patients with exterior views improved more quickly
after surgery!
We’ve included the infographic from Mood
Walks in this article for you to learn more about
these new organized hikes, including hikes for Youth
In Transition organized by this group.