Over the past year, when was the last time you appreciated being outdoors? With summer rolling around the corner, it is time to get out! According to the American Psychological Association (APA), spending time in nature has both cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health and emotional well-being.
Junior Rowena Santiago speaks of her connection with the outdoors, “I like to be outside because I grew up with an outdoorsy family.” She tells a story of her and her brother playing soccer and running around surrounded by nature. Santiago notes that being in the wilderness brings peace as well as comfort to her.
Overall, being outside never fails to make me feel better. It’s shown in hundreds of studies the benefits nature has on just about everything. In a 2024 report from the Pew Research Center, 41% of people from ages six to 10, as well adults from 18 to 29, reported using the internet almost constantly. Take a second to step off all forms of technology and get out!
Mary Lord, a Sophomore here at North Forsyth High School shares how being in the sunshine motivates her more. She states, “You can see the view around you. There are constantly things around you that go unnoticed.” Lord compares it to a literal breath of fresh air and likes the feeling of her mind going quiet while taking in the moment.
For me, something as simple as a flowing creek grounds me completely. The National Institutes of Health defines grounding, also known as Earthing as, “direct skin contact with the surface of the Earth, such as with bare feet or hands, or with various grounding systems.” This tactic results in better sleep, assists the parasympathetic nervous system and speeds wound healing.
The outdoors are endless, and there is constantly something to do. Go for a short hike, have a picnic with your friends or even just take a moment to yourself and be grateful for the world around you. From boosting your immune system, and enhancing cognitive function all the way to improving your heart health, our Earth can do it all!
