Many of America’s original natural spaces have given way to buildings and homes-; an inevitable byproduct of progress. However, in recent years, many city planners and contractors have begun adding green spaces to urban areas. Newly built communities often include walking and biking trails, picnic areas, and water features. Not only are these outdoor areas beautiful, they provide residents with a variety of important mental and physical benefits.
1. Sunshine Provides Critical Vitamins
Outdoor activity areas allow residents to get a healthy exposure to sunshine. Sunlight hitting human skin triggers a process that causes the body to produce vitamin D needed to fight disease. Studies by epidemiologists reveal that vitamin D may protect against conditions that include heart attacks, osteoporosis, and type II diabetes. Americans at all stages of life routinely suffer vitamin D deficiencies because they are nearly always indoors. With that in mind, many home buyers are now conducting online research to find more information about communities that include green spaces designed for outdoor exercise.
2. Being Outdoors Is a Mood Elevator
Natural spaces in communities encourage residents to spend time outdoors where they get mood-enhancing light. That is important because a lack of natural light is associated with issues like seasonal affective disorder. With that in mind, some cities are turning blighted areas into green spaces designed to improve citizens’ moods. An article in a UC Berkeley publication reported that when Philadelphia transformed vacant lots into outdoor activity areas, nearby residents reported feeling less depressed and stressed.
3. Spending Time Outdoors Improves Concentration
Data from a Harvard University study suggests that outdoor exercise can improve concentration. Researchers found that children suffering from Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) focused better after taking walks in their neighborhoods, parks, or even downtown. Although the research was conducted on children, there is strong evidence that outdoor exercise also helps adult concentration.
4. Green Spaces Encourage Exercise
Regular exercise is a key element of good health, but millions of Americans live sedentary indoor lives. Some try to fight the problem with home gym equipment, but it can be hard to stay motivated when daily exercise is dull and routine. In contrast, being outdoors naturally encourages exercise because it is much more fun to walk or run on nature trails, swim, bike, and just enjoy the beauty.
5. Natural Light Can Speed Healing
There is evidence that spending time in green spaces can help patients heal faster. Spinal surgery patients who took part in a 2005 University of Pittsburgh study had less stress and pain when they were exposed to natural light during recovery. They also needed fewer medications. A previous study showed that the view outside of patients’ windows impacted their recoveries. Those who saw trees instead of brick walls did better.
6. Outdoor Activities Boost Social Interaction
Green spaces in communities encourage residents to enjoy outdoor activities, and most people prefer to do them in groups. As community members bike, walking trails, play team games, and gather for barbecues and picnics, they improve their social skills. Neighbors tend to work better together. Spending time on group activities also fights loneliness and is good for mental health.
7. Enjoying Nature Creates an Appreciation for the Environment
When residents spend time close to nature, they begin to appreciate their beauty. They also learn to see the value in protecting plant and animal life. That leads to a greater awareness of the need to care for the environment.
It is becoming common for newly built residential communities to include green spaces. Some cities are also transforming neglected areas into beautiful outdoor activity areas. Their efforts benefit residents by providing natural light and exercise that is essential to overall well-being. Spending time in nature also encourages social interaction and helps citizens understand the importance of caring for the earth.
