The beach, the forest, the park… Who doesn’t like nature? More than just a treat, nature has positive effects on our health. Besides clearing our minds, lifting our spirits and giving us the opportunity to reconnect with the most important things in life, going outdoors is an excellent way to relax and take peace from the natural beauty that surrounds us when you ask yourself What to do in Tulum.
Nature is like a vitamin supplement
What to do in Tulum? Being outdoors increases vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is directly related to an improved immune system and a more positive outlook. Spending at least 15 minutes a day in the sun is an ideal way for older adults to increase their vitamin D levels.
In addition, nature can help boost immunity. By helping you feel more positive and improving your mental health, being outdoors helps develop and maintain a healthy immune system.
Physical activity
What to do in Tulum? Research shows that physical activity can provide better quality of life as we age. Light exercise, such as walking, can improve health. Sidewalks and parks, and even urban green spaces, offer excellent opportunities for walking in environments surrounded by nature.
Other studies show that older adults who walk outdoors daily have fewer complaints of pain, sleeplessness, and other problems compared to adults who do not go outside every day.
Like walking, gardening can also play a positive role in health as we age both physically and mentally. Older gardeners with access to a community garden or their own garden get more physical activity compared to those who do not garden. They also tend to have better health status, increased physical functioning, reduced pain and other physical benefits.
And, naturally, those who garden are more likely to eat more vegetables, resulting in better diets than non-gardeners of the same age.
Mental Health
What to do in Tulum? The restorative effects of nature support mental health and well-being. In older adults, studies show that physical activity in natural environments may be associated with improved mood, reduced likelihood of depression, reduced stress levels and improved cognitive function.
These benefits extend beyond physical activity. Studies show that the frequency and amount of time spent in nature correlates with feelings of mental restoration. Spending an additional 30 minutes in nature increases this restorative effect.
Even looking out the window at a garden or forest or viewing images of nature can contribute to reduced stress and improved cognitive health. These mental benefits can become especially significant in older people who suffer chronic stress or experience stressful events such as the loss of a loved one.
Ideas to connect with nature
What to do in Tulum? If you don’t have a garden or a park nearby, we recommend that you make time to visit places that connect you with nature. We encourage you to invite your family or friends to take a walk in a natural environment with Yucatan Outdoors tours. We have incredible places to connect with nature.
