5 Health Benefits of Spending Time Outside

Spending time in the great outdoors is undoubtedly beneficial for our physical and emotional health. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, getting outside and experiencing “green space” is linked to a reduced risk of chronic disease or even death.

Living in northern Nevada makes it easy to enjoy time outside. Reno was voted the happiest place to live by Outside Magazine in 2023, partly because of our easy access to the outdoors. In fact, Outside Magazine reported that 76% of Reno residents live within a 10-minute walk of one of our city’s 87 parks.

The Nevada Division of Forestry and Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation encourage every Nevadan to engross yourself in the beauty – and positive health effects – of nature and to enjoy time outdoors responsibly. Below are five benefits you may experience by spending at least a few minutes a day outside:

Improved Mental Health

Being in nature helps lower the body’s stress hormone, otherwise known as cortisol levels, and increases feelings of relaxation and well-being. Whether it’s taking a walk in the park, hiking along one of northern Nevada’s many trails or simply sitting in a garden, being surrounded by green spaces has been shown to elevate mood and reduce mental fatigue.

Boosted Immune System

Exposure to fresh air and natural environments can improve your immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells, which are what helps your body fight infections. Spending time outside can easily increase your exposure to sunlight, and in turn, your vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function and the prevention of certain chronic diseases.

Better Sleep

Sleep issues are a common concern among adults across the country. By taking some time to get outdoors every day, your sleep quality may actually improve at night. Being exposed to natural light during the day helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which is the body’s internal clock that controls sleep and wake cycles.

Socializing in outdoor environments such as a walk with a friend, participating in an outdoor group workout class or attending one of Reno’s many community festivals. can strengthen your bonds with others. Outdoor activities create opportunities to spend quality time with family and friends, helping to improve overall emotional well-being.

Better Heart Health

Spending time outdoors, especially while engaging in physical activities such as cycling or hiking, has a direct impact on heart health. Regular outdoor exercise can lower blood pressure, improve circulation and reduce the risk of heart disease. As an added heart-healthy bonus, the relaxing and stress-reducing effects of nature can also act as a key prevention piece against heart disease.

In the Reno-Tahoe region, the outdoor possibilities are endless. Head over to VisitRenoTahoe.com for more ideas on how you can experience the expansive nature that lies within our region.

Related Blogs

Man hiking with his dog, standing on rock

Emergency Hiking Kit Essentials

With the help of Aaron Bertalmio, MD of Renown Urgent Care, we're sharing nine essential must-have items for your hiking emergency kit.

Let’s Talk Testosterone and Men’s Health

You probably know testosterone (T) plays an important role in how boys physically develop into men. But is that all you know? What happens when a man's T levels are off? Are there symptoms men should look for? And what are the treatment options? Dr. Bobby Kahlon, Renown Medical Group provides answers in a Testosterone Q&A.

A cross-country skier enjoys the forest in winter.

Forest Bathing and Your Mental Health

As a society that often feels dominated by the “rise and grind” culture and is still recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, feelings of stress, anxiety and depression have risen in recent years. As reported by the American Psychological Association, one-third of adults across the country said they feel completely stressed out no matter what they try to manage it. 36% of adults don’t know where to start regarding stress management. One way to help bring yourself (and your mental health) peace is by embracing the miles upon miles of nature and forested lands we are fortunate to have right here in northern Nevada. A practice that has gained significant attention in recent years is the Japanese notion of Shinrin-yoku, otherwise known as “forest bathing.”

View All Blogs