With the pandemic caused by the coronavirus, many people have increased their levels of stress and anxiety. In addition, depression figures have also grown in recent months, reflecting a general deterioration in the mental health of the population.
Thus, against this state of pessimism and desolation, outdoor activities can literally be a respite from the mental burden that we have been carrying for months. For this reason, the best thing to do is to equip yourself with sports clothes and leave the house to enjoy the natural environment.
A study carried out by the University of Utah in Salt Lake City links the realization of outdoor activities with the substantial improvement of mental health. In addition, currently, there is a large scientific literature that establishes links between good mental health and the execution of outdoor activities in contact with nature.
Thus, the aforementioned study found a good number of bibliographic references in this regard, but was not able to locate a single study or publication that related a worsening of mental health and physical exercise in the open air..
Thus, among the main benefits of outdoor activities for mental health are, among others, the reduction of stress levels and anxiety, as well as a greater positive affect or an elevated mood..
In this sense, the aforementioned study explicitly speaks of "psychological healing", "greater sense of well-being" and "restoration". In this way, it has been shown that carrying out activities in nature implies an improvement in personal well-being in general, also improving aspects such as resilience and cognition, among others.
Two other studies conducted by American universities show similarly encouraging results. In the first place, we can find a research carried out in the 80s that demonstrated the positive effects of green areas on the psychological well-being of people.
In this way, this study consisted of submitting a group of volunteers to a stressful virtual trip by car, then sending half of the group for a walk through a green area and ordering the other half to wait in the building. where were they.
Thus, it was shown that blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension of people who had gone out for a walk had been significantly reduced compared to people who had stayed inside the building.
In addition, research conducted by the University of Michigan established links between emotional balance and country walks. In this way, it was shown that walking through nature affects the personal well-being of individuals.
Thus, from this study, baptized as Walking for Health, 2,000 volunteers were divided into two groups, of which one had to walk through the field and the other not to.
The test was carried out for three months. At the end of the research period, it was found that the first group showed lower levels of depression and feelings of stress, as well as a better mood.
In addition, the results were especially positive in the cases of people who had recently experienced a painful event such as a divorce or the death of a loved one.
At a time of great psychological stress such as the current one, marked by the coronavirus, there is nothing better than trying to put aside the worries of day to day through contact with nature and carrying out outdoor activities.
In any case, given the health emergency situation, it will be convenient to follow some indications to reduce the chances of contagion. In this sense, It is advisable to avoid any type of agglomeration, whether in an open or closed space, and to respect the safety distance of two meters at all times.
However, it is important to note that most of the activities that can be carried out outdoors are safe if we have the appropriate equipment. Walking, running or hiking are just some of them, since we can also choose to skate or ride a bike, for example.
Likewise, other opportune activities to carry out outdoors in times of coronavirus are fishing, golf, climbing or sailing. In this sense, the possibilities are multiple, since we can navigate both by kayak and by canoe or boat. In addition, there is always the possibility of cheering up with diving.
Likewise, we can also ice skating, skiing, sledding or snowboarding; although, without a doubt, these sports are only suitable for lovers of low temperatures. Finally, another good alternative is based on participating in group classes outdoors or exercising following a virtual classroom..
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