7 Benefits of Living Near Nature

For those who are deliberating if you should purchase property near a park, perhaps this list stating the benefits of living near nature can convince you to do so. 

1. Being Near Nature Can Lower Your Stress Levels

A tremendous % of working people report feeling stressed. If you are chronically stressed, spending just 20 to 30 minutes in a natural setting can help lower cortisol levels, your body’s main stress hormone. Individuals who spent this recommended amount of time in nature reported a significantly lower level of physical and psychological stress.

To get your daily dose of nature, you can choose to sit still and listen to the sounds of nature, or take a walk and observe the various flora and fauna.  

2. Greenery Can Motivate You to Keep Fit

Exercise is another effective way to combat stress and improve your health. It has been proven exercise can improve your mood and reduce stress levels due to increased serotonin production. If you find it hard to start, exercising in a green space can motivate you to do so as it feels easier.

One study showed participants who exercised outdoors felt the activity required less physical exertion. Additionally, you’ll also experience more positive moods. A study found “walking in a natural environment [is] more restorative than walking in urban surroundings” or an indoor exercise facility. Set yourself up for success by creating a positive feedback cycle when you choose to exercise.

3. Being Outdoors Gives You an Energy Boost

Most of us lead sedentary lives, spending 8 hours a day glued to a chair. Being outdoors for 20 minutes can give you an energy boost. It is a better, more natural way to get energised than drinking another cup of coffee.

 4. Greenery is Good for Your Eyes 

While the COVID-19 vaccination programme is being gradually rolled out in 2021, work from home arrangements are likely to endure. It becomes more important to take daily vision breaks. Ideally, you should spend two hours a day outdoors looking at green plants if you want to keep myopia at bay. 

Even if you don’t go outdoors, rest your eyes by gazing at far-off trees for a few minutes every hour. 

5. Nature Can Be Inspiring and Enhance your creativity 

If you can’t figure out a tough problem at work, heading to a nearby park for a stroll might give you inspiration for a creative solution. Research has shown the combination of walking and being outdoors in nature elicited the most novel and highest quality ideas (as opposed to sitting down and being indoors).

For those working in artistic fields, this could be a useful strategy when experiencing creative blocks.

6. Being Away from Hustle and Bustle Will Improve your Sleep

Living in urban Singapore means we experience moderate to high levels of light and noise pollution. This can make falling asleep difficult or disrupt your rest. Living near a park would mean there are fewer people, streetlamp glare and sound. And if you still can’t fall asleep, you can pop by the gardens for a nighttime stroll.

7. Living Near Nature Helps You Live longer

Studies have shown that individuals living close to nature tend to live longer than those who do not.

Ref: 8 Benefits of Living Near Nature (propertyguru)