Spending time in nature improves the health of Finns
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) reminds us that time spent in nature is highly beneficial for human health. According to recent studies, spending even a few minutes in a forest or park can help the body and mind recover from the stresses of everyday life.
Moving in nature is an effective way to reduce stress and improve mental health. Regular outdoor activity also helps prevent many lifestyle diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. In Finland, nature is close by in almost every city, making it an easily accessible source of well-being.
According to experts, physical activity in nature is particularly recommended. Even light exercise, such as walking on a forest path, strengthens heart health and improves overall alertness. The calm environment of nature helps lower blood pressure and soothe the nervous system more effectively than exercise performed indoors.
THL encourages Finns to actively utilize their local environment all year round. Even if the weather is changeable, even a short moment outdoors is a significant act for promoting one's own health. Even small choices in everyday life can significantly improve quality of life in the long run.