Improve Your Life

Did you know that spending more time in nature can exponentially improve your life? Many of us recognize this to be true, at least anecdotally, but there is more and more research coming out indicating that the great outdoors is really great for us.

Here are some examples:

Baltimore City, our hometown, recognizes the incredible mental, physical, and emotional benefits spending time in nature has on its young people. The Baltimore Office of Sustainability is hosting its second Nature Nurtures series to “increase equitable access to nature in Baltimore City.”

Another example is THIS EPISODE of the Hidden Brain podcast. In part of the episode, scientists describe how spending just a few days in nature can affect you physically. By that I mean it literally changes your blood chemistry. In a good way! Spending a few days in nature gives your immune system a boost in ways that can still be measured in a blood test several weeks later!

Many argue that kids should be spending at least as much time outside as they do looking at screens. The 1,000 Hours Outside Challenge suggests that spending time outside helps kids in their development.

Even the American Psychological Association recognizes the positive mental and emotional benefits of spending time in nature.

And these are just a few examples!
This is not the only reason, but it is a large part of why we do what we do.