[Study] The Health Benefits of Being Outside in Spring

As the chill of winter begins to thaw, it's that time of year once again when we can really start taking advantage of the great outdoors and get back to nature. Spending time unplugged and outside, maybe in a hot tub, has been scientifically shown as a natural antidote to the adverse effects of stress, a preventative measure against anxiety, and booster for our creativity. Despite its well-known healthy properties, over the past four decades nature-based recreation has declined over 35% in the US, according to the National Academy of Science.

Why Stay Active Outdoors

Learn more about how important building outdoor moments in your daily schedule really is:

Studies have shown that we do at least 30 minutes more physical activity per week when we workout in nature.

Makes You Push Yourself Harder

When we are working out inside a gym, we're setting strict limits on our pace and the amount of time we are training. Studies have shown that people who take their workouts outside do at least 30 minutes more of physical activity per week than those who do it inside. The outside also allows our bodies to experience various terrains, hills, and locations, to further strengthen our muscles and joints.

Makes You Focus

Trying to concentrate on too many activities or even a single topic for prolonged periods of time can mentally drain us. It even has a name, Directed Attention Fatigue. Being outside and just enjoying the natural scenery can give the cognitive portion of our brain a break, allowing us to focus better and renew our ability to be rational, focus, and patient.

Lowers Depression

People who frequent parks and green spaces have been shown in studies to have lower rates of depression and blood pressure. They have also been shown to be more social than those people who avoid the outdoors. We believe there's no better place to add an outdoor moment to your day routine than in the tranquility of your backyard inside a Beachcomber, which itself has been shown to lower stress and depression and improve cognitive health. Spending time in nature has also proven to be a viable booster of creativity, with a study from Outward Bound participants showing a 50% boost following a four-day forest expedition.

Fresh air itself is full of antibacterial qualities that reduce our risk for numerous serious diseases.

Helps You Fight Disease

 The Department of Environmental Conservation has published reports that show the correlation between breathing in fresh air and disease prevention. Fresh air is full of phytoncides. These airborne chemicals given off by plants, have antibacterial and antifungal qualities that help plants fight disease. When people breathe in these chemicals, our bodies breathe in these benefits and have been shown to reduce our risks for numerous diseases including cancer. Click here for more details.

In today’s fast-paced, screen-heavy world, it's more important than ever to prioritize time outdoors. The science is clear: nature heals. From improving our mental health and boosting creativity to lowering disease risk and increasing physical performance, the benefits of outdoor activity are too great to ignore. Whether it’s a walk through the woods, a bike ride along a trail, or simply soaking in the serenity of your backyard from the comfort of a Beachcomber hot tub, every moment spent outside is an investment in your well-being.

So as the days grow longer and the air turns warmer, take the opportunity to step outside, move your body, breathe deeply, and recharge - naturally.