Are you nature deficient? Here’s why it matters.

Good morning!

When was the last time you truly spent time outdoors? Maybe it was a morning hike, a lazy afternoon at the beach, or fishing at your favorite lake. For most of us, “real” nature time has become rare. Between busy schedules, screens, and city life, it’s easy to forget that the outdoors isn’t just nice, it’s essential.

This week, we’re exploring something close to my heart: the health and happiness benefits of spending time outside. Science and experience show that nature doesn’t just lift our mood, it strengthens our minds, bodies, and immune systems, and it especially matters for kids, helping them build lifelong habits and resilience. Grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and let’s dive into why nature should be a non-negotiable part of life.

How much time do we actually spend outside?

Even though we leave our homes, most of our days are indoors: commuting by car, working at desks, exercising in gyms, scrolling on devices. The reality is striking:

• ⅔ of adults spend less than one hour outside per day.

• 37% of preschoolers spend less than one hour outside on weekdays.
  

Remember your childhood? Parks, bike rides, treehouses, kickball, jump rope, the outdoors was the ultimate playground. Why the drop in outdoor time? Two main culprits:

• Screens. Modern video games and entertainment often keep kids and adults glued indoors.

• Urban living. Cities aren’t playground-friendly, and tight schedules often make outdoor time optional rather than essential.

How nature makes us healthier

Humans evolved in nature, not in front of screens. The biophilia hypothesis suggests we have a natural bond with the outdoors. Two key scientific ideas explain its benefits:

• Attention Restoration Theory (ART): Modern life depletes attention. Nature restores focus, helping us think clearly and connect with our surroundings.

• Stress Reduction Theory (SRT): Time outdoors activates the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing the heart rate, reducing stress, and allowing the body to repair and recover.

The real magic comes from a mix of these effects combined with cleaner air, more movement, less screen time, and increased social interactions.

Key benefits of spending time outdoors:

1. Stress Reduction:
   Nature lowers perceived stress and reduces cortisol, the stress hormone. Even a 20-minute walk in a park can help you feel calmer, more grounded, and ready to handle the day.

2. Stronger Immune System:
   Exposure to dirt, plants, and natural microbes “trains” the adaptive immune system. Playing outside helps prevent allergies and improves resilience, supporting overall health, this is known as the hygiene hypothesis.

3. Enhanced Cognitive Function:
   Short outdoor sessions improve attention, working memory, and problem-solving. For kids, this is especially powerful: time in nature helps develop neural pathways that shape lifelong learning and critical thinking skills.

4. Vitamin D and Bone Health:
   Sunlight exposure is a natural source of vitamin D, which supports strong bones, a healthy immune system, and even mood regulation.

5. Better Mood and Mental Health:
   Natural environments reduce anxiety and depression, lift spirits, and improve emotional resilience. A simple walk in the park or time by water can feel like hitting a mental “reset” button.

6. Social Connection and Physical Activity:
   Outdoor activities often involve movement and socializing, helping kids and adults develop coordination, teamwork, and friendships, all while burning energy naturally.

7. Reduced Screen Time and Mindful Living:
   Time outdoors encourages presence and awareness. It gives the brain a break from overstimulation and strengthens our ability to focus on what matters.

Quick Wins

• Swap a drive for a short walk or bike ride.

• Schedule at least 30 minutes of outdoor play or exercise daily.

• Add small nature rituals: morning coffee outside, gardening, weekend hikes, or picnics.
  

OmniBlue Reminder: Even if your lifestyle limits outdoor time, nutrients can help support immunity, energy, and overall wellness. OmniBlue Original Liquid Mineralsdelivers 420mg of magnesium, over 70 trace minerals, and 17.6mcg of selenium, helping your body thrive from the inside out.

Final Thoughts

Nature is more than a luxury, it’s a lifeline. From stress relief and cognitive benefits to immune support and social connection, spending time outdoors helps you, and your kids, thrive. Small, consistent steps can have a huge impact. So take a deep breath, step outside, and remember: fresh air is a form of self-care.

Until next week!

- Adrian Macdonald (Chief Dietitian) | The 8% Author