Fall is a great time to get out in nature. As I sit here planning our fall trip to the Badlands of South Dakota, I’m thinking about the positive physical, mental, and spiritual restoration outcomes of being in nature. Our technology-driven lifestyles have diminished healthy human relationships with natural environments leading to a range of health issues and reduced wellbeing. There has been a measurable uptick in trail usage around the country and more runs on and shortages of biking, hiking, and climbing equipment as people escape to the outdoors to try to rediscover sanity in these tumultuous times.
Spending time in nature has been shown to positively impact physical health, including improved cardiovascular health, reduced risk of chronic diseases, increased mobility and flexibility, and increased levels of physical activity.
There are significant benefits to spending time in nature associated with reductions in physiological markers of stress such as heart rate, blood pressure and salivary cortisol. Dr. Paraskevi Sapountzi of Suburban Endocrinology and Diabetes states: “Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of diabetes management, offering a multitude of benefits including improved insulin sensitivity, blood glucose control, cardiovascular health, and mental well-being. Furthermore, exposure to natural environments such as those found in National Parks has been shown to reduce stress, enhance mood, and promote overall physical and mental health.”
1st Choice Physical Therapist Linda Raby recently returned from a hiking trip to Glacier National Park in Montana and says: “Being outside always makes me feel better, both mentally and physically. I love taking in the amazing views at National Parks and challenge myself to conquer the most scenic hikes. However, I also love hiking my local trails in the Forest Preserves or running on local bike trails. I highly encourage everyone to get outside for at least a few minutes every day.”
How Nature Helps Boost Well-Being
- Increased Physical Exercise: when we get outside, we move more and the increase in movement promotes positive mood, reduced anxiety, and better sleep.
- Cognitive and Attention Benefits: beyond exercise, studies show that time in nature might actually boost our mental capacities.
- Quiet Time, Brain Rest, and Spiritual Growth: nature gives us the gift of much needed separation from excessive technology, urban noise and clutter, and stressful work and home environments. For many of us, time in nature can enhance our sense that there is something greater than ourselves beyond the day-to-day sensory experiences, and we may leave the outdoors with a greater sense of purpose.
Free National Parks Access Pass
Did you know that if you have a permanent disability as defined legally, not medically, you can obtain a free lifetime pass to enter the National Parks and Forests across the country?
The Access Pass is a free, lifetime pass available to United States citizens or permanent residents, regardless of age, that have a permanent disability that can be used at over 2,000 Federal recreation sites across the nation, including National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and many National Forest lands.
The Access Pass admits for free the Pass owner and any passengers traveling with him/her in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas or the Pass owner and three additional adults where per-person fees are charged. The Access Pass may also offer a discount on some expanded amenity fees, such as camping.
Check out www.nps.gov/subjects/accessibility/interagency-access-pass.htm to learn more about how to obtain an Access Pass.
So get outside and get moving! Call your 1st Choice Physical Therapist if you need help getting moving.
