Flora, Fauna, and Felicity: The Benefits of Nature Walks

Written by : Chloe Driscoll Wright 

On a walk among nature, you may come across sticks in the mud (in the literal sense), but your state of mind will tell a different story; time spent this way tremendously affects mental health, physical health, and mood.

Taking a stroll or hiking outdoors with friends is a great way to interact, move about, and catch the recommended amount of sun and fresh air. At the same time, many things are improved such as:

●      Sleep—the time it takes to fall asleep decreases, improving sleep patterns and energy levels

●      Vision—the colors of nature stimulate the eyes and natural light reduces the risk of myopia (nearsightedness)

●      Motivation—when exposed to nature, a common effect is the uplifting of mood, which also encourages better physical health practices as well as exercise

In a 2019 study of 19,806 participants on nature.com, 120 minutes a week in natural environments has the capability of drastically improving your health and well-being. Overall, a little time with greenery can go a long way. For older adults, this is efficient in keeping your body strong, your joy levels high, and your lifespan long.

In a survey by the Neighbor Project gauging the preferred habits of older adults when it comes to socialization, 45% of respondents answered that in terms of hangouts, they prefer nature walks or being outdoors. Many things can be done outside, and the space and scenic backdrops allow for the best of occasions and memories—so we hope to use this information to give rise to more social events that take place among nature.

Grab a friend or a few and enjoy Earth’s natural features with us—you won’t regret it!