Did you know that in Japan, people sometimes engage in a practice called shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing”? Studies have found that forest bathing — which involves engaging your senses while spending time in nature — provides a variety of wellness benefits. Fresh air is clearly good for humans, but it’s also easy to overlook. Scroll down to explore the benefits of connecting with nature in your senior years. Whether you choose to enjoy a favorite hobby, exercise, or simply forest bathe, you won’t regret spending a little more time outdoors.
Reasons to Spend More Time Outside
Improved Mental Health
You don’t need to go on a long hike or bike ride to enjoy the benefits of spending time outdoors; simply sit on a bench or stroll slowly, focusing on your senses. Do you hear the wind rustling the leaves? Can you smell the fresh-cut grass? What does a tree’s bark feel like beneath your fingertips? Focusing on these basic sensations can help you feel more calm, relaxed, and grounded. So, if you’re feeling stressed, devote a little part of your day to unwinding outdoors. You might experience an immediate mood boost!
Sense of Purpose
Relaxing outdoors can help connect you to the present moment and the wider world. Research has shown that people who discuss their experiences in nature with others enjoy a stronger sense of purpose in life. This is vital in your senior years, a time when many people feel aimless or lonely because they’re no longer working or raising a family. If you find yourself craving purpose, try spending some time forest bathing and then sharing your thoughts with friends. You could also take a stroll with a buddy or sit outside together.
Physical Health
If you need an energy boost, head outdoors. Nature is restorative. It can elicit feelings of awe and increase your mental energy. Plus, simply walking provides a host of physical health benefits. It can decrease your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer. According to a study conducted by the American Cancer Society, participants who walked just under two hours per week had a lower mortality risk than those who didn’t walk at all.
Higher Quality of Life
For all of the reasons we’ve already discussed — better mental health, better physical health, and a sense of purpose — connecting with nature is also associated with a higher quality of life. So, whether you choose to forest bathe, take a nature walk, garden, bird-watch, take photos, or chat with a friend, squeeze in a little time for nature in your daily life.
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Are you convinced of the benefits of connecting with nature? If you have doubts, why not try it for yourself? Commit to spending more time outside a few days a week, when the weather accommodates, and see if you experience any of these positive effects. What do you have to lose?
Are you seeking a memory care community in Springfield, Missouri? At Springhouse Village, we know how important it is to provide memory care in a lively and welcoming environment. We make it easy for our residents to participate actively in our community. With staff expertise and a calendar of exciting activities, we strive to help our memory care residents thrive. To learn more about our amenities and services, contact Springhouse Village today by emailing us online or calling 417-708-3403.