Your health and body image are some of the most critical aspects of your lifestyle. However, it’s not always easy to maintain a positive outlook in both of these areas. 

Fortunately, there’s one easy thing you could do to help boost a positive body image.

Nature is peaceful

 In general, nature is very peaceful in itself. Yes, there are exceptions, such as violent avalanches and earthquakes. However, the vast majority of nature, such as trees and lakes are peaceful quantities. 

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When you spend time among these forms of nature, your body will naturally be soothed by the environment. You’ll feel many good effects such as lower blood pressure and a lower heart rate.

 As you probably know, it’s nearly impossible to feel stressed while taking a pleasant stroll through a park. These positive effects on your body help you to perceive your body as a positive thing as well. It’s a loop; healthy people tend to think of themselves as healthy. Nature is an organic source of health benefits, so take advantage of these resources every chance you get.

Positive thoughts

 There’s more to nature than a physical environment. Not only are you physically surrounded by greenery, but your mind acknowledges this fact as well. Humans are designed to take in their environment and respond internally. When you sit amongst the beauty of nature, you’re bound to have positive thoughts. The stresses of work or school leave your mind, and positive thoughts flood your head instead.

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Some of these thoughts are likely to concern your body. Maybe you’re worried about your weight or diet. When your body is filled with positivity, you’ll naturally feel good about your body. 

You’ll realize that you’re making good progress with your weight and that your goals are in sight. Furthermore, you’ll think twice about junk food and pat yourself on the back for eating a salad earlier in the day. While there are positives and negatives to any situation, the ability to focus on the positives is priceless. Nature enables this phenomenon, almost like a magic trick.

Scientific research

Scientific research backs these claims. In a recent study, some participants spent time in nature, while others spent time in a manmade environment, such as a large city. 

Scientists then checked the various physiological qualities of the participants. The ones who were surrounded by nature scored higher in almost every category that was checked. They employed other scientific methods such as blind experiments and cross-checks. They concluded that nature indeed had a positive effect on body image. 

This was the first formal study of its kind. Since then, the results have been published in many scientific and health journals. Doctors and physicians recommend that their patients devote a chunk of each day to enjoying the beauty of nature. 

Researchers are already thinking about subsequent studies. How long do you need to spend in nature? Are certain environments such as oceans or rainforest more effective than others? Regardless of the answers to these questions, the point remains. Spending time in nature is one of the absolute best things you can do for your body image.

How can you spend time in nature

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Given that nature is such a good thing, how can you spend more time in it? Fortunately, the answer is pretty simple. 

Outdoor exercise helps you achieve this. You could choose from a variety of outdoor activities, like jogging, walking, hiking and swimming. Ditch the treadmill or swimming pool and head to a running trail or ocean instead. This will allow you to kill two birds with one stone. You’ll get your daily exercise while enjoying nature. 

Taking breaks in nature is another excellent way of experiencing it. If you’re confined to the office all day, your lunch break and coffee break are precious chances to get outside. Consider going to the park to eat lunch. Maximize your schedule and squeeze in a few minutes of your day to enjoy nature. 

In conclusion, spending time in nature helps to boost a positive body image. After walking through a forest or sailing on a river, you’ll be more comfortable with your body and health. These are incredibly important things, so dedicate time every day to go outside one way or another.