Fall leaves along a country road. Photo courtesy of the Nature Conservancy of Canada.Fall leaves along a country road. Photo courtesy of the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
Midwestern

Nature is Good for our Health but Many are Stuck Inside

If you are looking for some ways to burn off those Thanksgiving calories a new study suggests you head outdoors.

The Ipsos Reid poll of 2000 people for the Nature Conservancy of Canada found that 87 per cent of respondents feel happier, healthier and more productive when they've spent time outdoors. Ninety-one per cent of respondents said they slept better after spending time in nature.

The Conservancy's Andrew Holland says 2/3's  of respondents indicated they don't spend as much time outdoors as when they were younger, adding,  "it's striking how much time we spend staring at our phones, big screen TVs, or just staying inside."

People also cited the weather where they live as a barrier to getting outside, saying rain, cold or lack of green space was an obstacle.

Holland says their website has links to show you where in your area you can connect with nature.

"It inspires some ideas for day trips," he says. "You can go to the Ontario page and see where the conservation areas are and (get) directions and all that stuff."

 

 

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