The health benefits of nature are well-known and well-documented. Most people know that green environments improve the mental and physical wellbeing, whether it’s through personal experience or something they’ve read. This, of course, absolutely applies to the national parks as well. In fact, there are several health benefits of the national parks, all of which can make you a better person!
From improved cognitive control and a longer attention span to a stronger body and more self-esteem, immersive experiences in the national parks are really, really good for you.
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Health Benefits of the National Parks
So, there’s more to the parks than just their epic wildlife, spectacular landscapes, rich history and cultural value. Visiting a national park can be a very personal experience, too, one that may change your life forever—quite literally—in the best way possible.
The parks may actually help you become a better version of yourself, which is, after all, something we should all strive for.
5 Ways National Parks Experiences Can Make You a Better Person
National Parks Can Make You Smarter
Did you know that spending only 20 minutes in nature improves your concentration? It also reduces the need for ADD and ADHD medication in children.
Plus, going on a hike in nature—national park day hikes are the cream of the crop—boosts your memory and cognitive function. All these improvements could significantly enhance your performance in school or at work.
Additionally, a more direct way that national parks can make your smarter is, of course, on-the-spot learning. All parks have a visitor center, which generally has exhibits and a park movie. Interpretive trails can teach you about a park’s history, ecology, wildlife, resources and much more.
National Parks Can Make You Happier
Enjoying the songs of birds, listening to a flowing creek or lapping waves, or watching wildlife have all been proven to improve your overall wellbeing. These natural sounds reduce stress and attention fatigue, while also providing mental relaxation.
Regularly spending time in nature lowers your levels of depression and anxiety. You’ll also feel more fulfilled and better about yourself.
Research has shown that activities in a natural environment, such as national parks, can lower cortisol levels by as much as 15%. Even after only 5 minutes, a “nature bath” gives you a better mood, more relaxation and improved self-esteem.
Spending time in national parks, therefore, can literally make you a happier person.
National Parks Can Make You Healthier
After just 30 minutes in a national park, you could already benefit from the healing powers of nature. In only a half hour, there can be improvements to your heart health, blood circulation, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, as well as blood pressure.
Hiking in nature gives your immune system a boost and lowers inflammation, both of which help fight and prevent certain cancers and illnesses.
Exercising in nature may also offer you more opportunities for social interactions with other (outdoorsy) people. That, in return, could prevent diseases like dementia.
Additionally, the natural scents of things like wood, wildflowers and even raindrops have a calming effect on your mind. They are soothing, relaxing, reinvigorating and revitalizing. In short, experiencing nature in national parks greatly reduces mental stress.
National Parks Can Make You Stronger
What’s the difference between walking on a treadmill at the gym or walking on a trail in a national park? The national park offers greater health benefits for the exact same activity! This is because exercising in nature has more health benefits than the same activity indoors.
On top of that, you’re also much more likely to continue being physically active when you’re exercising in nature. So, improved health benefits combined with continued exercise lead can literally make you physically stronger.
So, whatever activity you enjoy, try to do it in nature—preferably a national park—if possible. This includes everything from walking and running to biking and rock climbing.
National Parks Can Make You More Productive
All of the benefits of visiting national parks above contribute to your being more productive. When you’re happier and healthier, when you feel good about yourself, when your mind is clear and your body is active, you will see amazing improvements at school or at work.
You’ll be able to concentrate better, have a sharper focus and longer attention span, and improve both your short-term and long-term memory.
All in all, a series of immersive national park experiences may ultimately result in a better functioning brain!
This post is based on the National Park Service’s wealth of resources related to mental wellbeing, physical exercise, health benefits, and the healing power of nature. On the NPS website, you can find much more about this, including tons of scientific research to back this up. Learn more here.