Sponsored News: The vast majority of Americans believe spending time outdoors can help improve their physical and psychological health. Harris Poll conducted a survey online among more than 2,000 adults in the US to find that Americans believe that spending time outside can help reduce stress (75%), improve mental well-being (74%), and make life easier (63%)
Spending time outdoors can have many benefits, including a higher mood and happier feeling and better cardiovascular health. However, work and other obligations can often get in the way. According to the Environmental Protection Agency Americans will spend an average of almost 93% their lives in indoor spaces.
Humana’s partnership to the National Parks Centennial Celebration encourages everyone enjoy America’s parks as a resource to stay healthy and active, and to increase their Nature Engagement Levels (N.E.L.s). N.E.Ls allow you to determine how much time spent outside. Humana sponsors a National Geographic Quiz to measure participants’ engagement with nature. Is your heart full of flowing rivers or empty?
These are some ideas to increase your N.E.L.
Begin your day with a sunrise: Watching the sunrise can help you feel calm, happy, and more alert.
You can bring nature to work: Place a plant or a view of nature on your desk and reap the health benefits. Host outdoor meetings, or “walk and talks,”You can also encourage colleagues to be more focused and positive around your building.
Engage your Mind: Visit museums and monuments in the National Park System to get mental exercise. You can visit sites such as the Thomas Edison National Historical ParkOffer interactive experiences and guided tours to educate and entertain visitors.
Eat outdoors: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Americans spend on average 8 hours and 13 minutes per week cooking and eating food. You can take your meals outside so you can unplug and enjoy the fresh air.
You can grow your own food. You can connect to nature by getting your hands dirty. You can also plant a community garden if you don’t have enough space.
Hike! Avid hikers report high levels happiness, fulfillment, connection with the environment, and research has shown that green motivates them to continue rigorous exercise. If you find that being outdoors on a spring day motivates you to hike, then look for a trail in a nearby national park or state.
Learn more about how to stay healthy www.StartWithHealthy.comVisit our website. www.FindYourPark.comTo find parks near you
