Wild Wellness: Happiness, Health, and the Outdoors

As members of the Northern Vermont University community, it is no secret that where we call home is wilderness paradise. With tall mountains, lush forests, and crystal rivers, Vermont boasts a connection with the outdoors that is both unique and internationally renown. Each year, people from around the world come to experience the beauty of our environment and take part in outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, kayaking, biking, and more. Luckily, we don't have to travel far to get a taste of the natural wonder Vermont has to offer, and have these valuable and healing resources at our disposal year round.

However, if you are unable to stay in Vermont during the summer session, it is important to find the time to reflect in a green space, or any space reserved as a park or dedicated to the natural environment of your surroundings. Regardless of your location, it is statistically proven that spending time outside improves health and happiness. There are even studies suggesting spending time outdoors at a young age can lower your chances of developing psychiatric disorders when an adult.

This is not synonymous with exercise while outside. While physical activity is a huge stress reliever, and important to your overall health and well-being, what we mean by outdoor wellness is simply engaging with the outdoors in any capacity or ability. By spending your time outside, or in a green space, for as little as 20 minutes a day, you are effectively increasing serotonin and allowing your mind to rest and relax.

Like Vermont, many places across the country are seeing a rise in outdoor recreation, as it seems the only acceptable outlet of leaving our homes during quarantine. With the newly extended available time to learn skills or pursue interests, it is no surprise we are seeing an influx in nature enthusiasts. But spending your time outside does not mean you are still not required to practice social distancing. Please refer to the CDC's guidelines on proper outdoor safety protocols during this time of crisis. It is important to be prepared, to follow clear instructions, and to keep yourself and others as safe as possible.