Even after 20 minutes outside, the research suggests that our blood pressure changes,

our heart rate changes, our respiration kind of slows down.

You know, we feel calmer.

And then after more time outside, it looks like that can really help prevent mild depression.

Our brain waves change, you know, where sort of the energy and blood flow in our brains

is going.

It removes from our frontal cortex, you know, that's kind of our thinking and planning

brain.

And it shifts to sort of our sensory brains.

And when that happens, it's really, really good for our mental and emotional health.

Florence Williams has spent years researching the physical and mental impact of spending

time outside.

She writes about how nature can improve our mental health, help us recover from grief,

and restore calm in our lives.

I know when I've had a tough day, one thing that always makes me feel better is going

surfing.

It distracts me from stressors and it forces me to be present.

There's also something about being near water, especially breaking waves that helps me

breathe deeper and just feel more peaceful.

In Florence's book The Nature Fix, she sets out to explain how the outdoors can improve

our health, promote reflection, stimulate innovation, and strengthen our relationships.

I'm Shelby Stenger and this is Wild Ideas Worth Living.

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