Modern society is lacking something extremely important. Something that is absolutely fundamental to our well-being. We sit in cubicles all day, staring at computer screens, changing our gaze to check the notifications on our phones. We go home after dark, only to flip on the TV for the night.

When was the last time you spent time outdoors? When was the last time you felt sand between your toes? Or breathed in the tangy scent of a pine? Heard the rush of the wind through the trees, or the roar of the sea? These are emotions and feelings we shouldn’t willingly give up. But, most of us have surrendered them to the flashing lights, notifications, videos, and screens of the modern world.

Our modern way of life is hurting our souls.

 

It’s hurting our souls. If you don’t believe me, think about the fun you had when you were a kid – running through the woods, playing on a playground in the crisp air of fall, or jumping in every puddle you chanced to see on your way to school. Those emotions are buried deep in your soul. One of the best ways to reinvigorate your inner child is to be outside. Science backs us up – it’s not something we pulled out of thin air to make you feel guilty.

The Science of Being Outdoors

Overlooking the emotional downsides of staying inside all day, we’ll focus instead on what science tells us. Our bodies need to be outside. We were designed to be outside. Let’s take a look at why:

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential to our well-being. It keeps osteoporosis at bay by keeping our bones healthy. Did you know your body supplies its own vitamin D from sunlight? That’s right. Our bodies create vitamin D when we expose our skin to sunlight. Yet, we deny our bodies this miraculous ability by not going outside and enjoying the sunshine.

Mental Fatigue

We all know the feeling; as if fog has invaded our brains, keeping us from thinking for the rest of the day. Science calls this “mental fatigue,” and you can fight it by going outside. Even a walk in the park is beneficial. In fact, researchers have found that simply looking at a picture of nature boosts mental energy. How much better it is to step out into the real thing!

Inflammation

When our body feels threatened or damaged, it becomes inflamed to protect itself. Unfortunately, stress causes our bodies to be constantly inflamed, which can cause a variety of diseases such as cancer, depression, and autoimmune disorders. In one study, it was found that people who spent time outdoors had lower levels of inflammation that those who lived in cities.

Boost the Immune System

More research needs to be done, but studies have shown that being outside can boost the immune system and allow our bodies to fight off common illnesses. According to one study, “all these findings strongly suggest that forest environments have beneficial effects on human immune function.” Science aside – we know we all feel better when we’re outside in the sun and fresh air.

Use Nature to Heal Your Body and Soul

Our society not only stays inside far too much, it doesn’t get the nutrients it needs to thrive. Our diet is lacking necessary minerals and vitamins, because our food is overly processed. So, how are we to integrate nature back into our daily lives? Here are a few tips:

Take a Walk:

Take time during your day to go outside – either in the morning, during lunch, or at night.

Breathe it In:

Take a moment to breath in nature – look at the intricacies of the leaves and mediate on the cool breeze and beauty surrounding you.

Take a Hike:

If you are able, try to spend time on the weekends outside. Take a hike, picnic in the park, or swim outside at a pool.

Take Shilajit:

Shilajit is the “destroyer of weakness.” It is taken directly from nature, and is rich in nutrients your body needs to thrive.