Hello, Adventurers! Welcome to the Coastal Expeditions blog! If you love outdoor activities such as hiking and paddling, exploring nature and learning about wildlife, you’ve come to the right place! Here on the Coastal Expeditions blog we dive deep into different habitats, excursions, conservation efforts and nature programs. To our return readers, thank you for your support! We commend you for being committed to learning. Our previous posts about sea turtle hatchlings and the importance of practicing water safety are currently available! There’s plenty we can do to help baby sea turtles thrive, but most of our helpfulness (as humans) lies in what we choose not to do. Likewise, there’s more to water safety than knowing CPR and first aid. To understand the basics of protecting hatchlings and preventing drownings, check out both of those articles!

By now, we’ve all felt the sweet beginnings of fall. There’s a slight chill in the early mornings and late evenings. As leaves start to turn the color of fire, the days grow shorter. This is a prime time of the year to enjoy nature’s splendor and spend time outside, as pretty soon it’ll be too chilly to do so (for most). We’re excited for fall in the Lowcountry; and, to ensure everyone takes advantage, we wanted to give you an idea of the myriad benefits of spending time outdoors. Beyond the beauty of the season and the idyllic temperatures, there are physical and psychological benefits to spending time outdoors which most people don’t know about. The pandemic saw many of us spending more time than ever on our couches and, while this might’ve been great for Netflix, our baseline health as a society worsened. Let’s work together to feel better!

The State of Things

First, let’s assess the state of things. How much time do Americans spend outside? Well, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), most Americans spend 93% of their lives indoors (including both buildings and automobiles). With 7% of our lives spent outside, that translates to one-half of one day per week. In a survey done by the Nature of Americans organization, many Americans revealed they felt concern about the increasing separation between society and nature. This disconnect was attributed to five things: difficulty accessing the natural world, difficulty expending time and money to experience outdoor activities, a general sense of distance between themselves and the natural world, dependency on electronic devices, and an altered perception of what a “good” connection to nature should look like. While most Americans struggle to spend even five minutes outdoors per day, the average amount of time spent on their phones exceeds six hours per day (not including work-related use).

It’s also worth noting not everyone has equal access to nature. In the same survey, Nature of Americans found 82% of adults thought of national parks as nature, while only 52% thought of local parks as nature. How many people do you think would consider their neighborhood as nature? Or their backyard? For those who live in congested cities or in apartments, spending time in what they perceive as “nature” can be more of a hassle than simply staying inside.

That said, those same adults represented in the survey agreed their love of nature is one of their strongest feelings. Many participants, even those who didn’t spend a significant portion of time outside, said certain sounds and smells from nature evoked their happiest memories. Many people find comfort in the expansiveness of nature, in the symbolism and spiritual implications, and in the presence of wildlife. Various barriers, as well as attempts to exploit the natural world, lead to inequitable enjoyment of nature.

Today, we hope to illuminate the positive effect spending time outdoors has on the brain and the body. This isn’t an indictment of smart phones or spending your entire Sunday binging the latest drama. We love those things, too! It’s about introducing more people to the joyous activity of being outside, how they can rack up more hours outdoors, and how this activity will benefit them in the long run. If you’re interested in learning more, read on! Don’t hesitate to send this to someone who might like to know this information, as well!

Outlook on Life

According to a 2020 research study done by Cornell University, only ten minutes a day is necessary to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time in a natural setting. How? Well, Lee Chambers, an environmental psychologist and well-being consultant, says: “Spending time outdoors is a full sensory experience, which anchors us in the present moment and helps us to feel connected, grounded and a part of something much bigger than ourselves.” Put simply, being outside affords us perspective, something we struggle with in the minutiae of our day-to-day lives. You forgot to send a work email? The dishes still aren’t done? When you’re outdoors, these things matter less.

Scientifically speaking, this could be attributed to a number of reasons. Alivia Rose, psychotherapist and spokeswoman of UK Council for psychotherapy, posits the act of going through a doorway, out into the world, holds symbolic significance for us. In a sense, we’re leaving behind our “indoor problems.” Sally Brown, a BACP-registered therapist, cites research into the phytoncides released by trees, which can affect our bodies in a similar way to aromatherapy. Lee Chambers goes on to cite the benefit of sunlight, which regulates our circadian rhythm, stimulates serotonin secretion, and gives us our necessary dosage of vitamin D. As well, Chambers says the greenery of nature gives our brains “pleasant biophilic patterns and colors to focus on.”

Since time spent in nature is usually devoid of distractions and sudden news, our bodies are able to take a break from the constant cortisol uptake and adrenaline download, which cause stress and anxiety. Stress, as you’ll probably already know, has a direct impact on things like blood pressure and heart rate. High levels of stress for extended periods of time can have detrimental impacts on one’s health. The decrease in stress levels after spending an afternoon outdoors can make you feel as though you’ve just come from an extended vacation at a spa retreat.

Time spent in nature can improve memory function as well, according to a study done by the University of Michigan. Two test groups were given a memory test, then sent to take a short walk. One group walked down a busy city street, while the other group walked through an arboretum. While the group which walked through the city did relatively the same, the group which walked through the arboretum performed 20% better on the same memory test.

If even a glimpse of nature through an office window is associated with lower levels of stress and higher job satisfaction among employees, imagine the benefit of being in nature for extended periods of time!

Time spent outdoors can lessen inflammation within the body, which is a precursor to many diseases and cancers, as well as a symptom of many autoimmune disorders. Time spent outdoors can improve the quality of your sleep. Research performed by the journal Preventive Medicine, found exposure to green space to be a particularly potent sleep aid (especially for men over 65). Nature is considered a “restorative environment,” and can help relieve mental fatigue. Have you been working at your computer for too long? One study, which can be found in the journal Psychological Science, found even just looking at pictures of nature improved people’s mental energy.

Being outdoors, for many, also means being physically active. Taking a walk, going for a hike, or running outdoors are associated with decreased levels of anxiety and depression. The quarantine meant months of staying inside and this can lead to feelings of restlessness. Restlessness, in addition to low levels of serotonin, can translate into irritability and mood swings. That said, what researchers call “green exercise” resulted in marked improvement in the self-esteem and mood of mentally-ill individuals. If the green exercise involved water, the effects were even stronger.

Reduced risk of developing myopia. Improved ability to focus. Increased creativity. Boosted immune function. Lowered risk of early death. The benefits of spending time in nature are too numerous to list here and all backed by science. In addition to cultivating better mental health and physical well-being, the primary effect of spending time outside is a more positive outlook on life. Don’t wait. Start today. Even ten minutes outside is enough to begin to reap some of the benefits mentioned here today.

Coastal Expeditions offers nature tours, kayak rentals, paddleboard rentals, island tours, kid-friendly tours and chances to explore the Lowcountry! Check out our various offerings and find which one suits you and your adventurous spirit! Our tours are led by knowledgeable, approachable naturalists and sea captains who are eager to answer your questions! Read up on new experiences being offered by Coastal Expeditions on this blog. Until next time, readers. Get out there and explore! Adventure awaits!