Every once in a while, you win the lottery. You get a free payout. You get rewarded with something that is just given to you and costs you nothing. Well here we are highlighting one of those gifts.

Would you like to be happier, think more clearly, elevate your health, and live longer? Studies show that you may have all of those things--with zero effort--if you merely spend time outside. That's right, just spending time outside in the fresh air provides you with innumerable benefits to health and longevity.

Let's take a look at the positives:

Lower blood pressure and reduce stress: Being in the company of nature, and/or walking outside, reduces the hormones associated with stress and lowers your blood pressure.

Improved mood: Research shows that communion with the outdoors notably diminishes anger, depression, and anxiety. Simply put, nature makes people happy.

Mental acuity: Studies show that nature allows us reprieve from the elements of our lives that we find stressful or concerning. Plants, fresh air, and sunlight impart in people improved impulse control, reduce the symptoms of ADHD, and generally place you in a better state of mental focus.

Wholesome healing: Recovery from medical and mental situations can be unpleasant or painful, lending to noticeably slow healing processes and increased stress. Researchers have discovered that individuals who spend more time outdoors have quicker recovery times, require fewer painkillers, and experience less complication.

Age with grace: Studies show that there are significant benefits for adults over 70. Individuals who spend time outdoors experience report fewer aches and pains, more fulfilling sleep, and generally fewer issues with mobility and activities required by daily life.

Making time to be outdoors can be easy and rewarding. Whether you enjoy taking in the local flowers or you enjoy meandering the neighborhood to observe how different people spend their holidays, the options and the benefits are endless. It sounds like a gift, right?

““Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential.”
― Ashley Smith