50 ‘Mildly Interesting’ Things Spotted In Nature That Are Actually Surprising (New Pics)

Spending some time in nature is really beneficial even if you come back without a cool photo to upload on r/MildlyInteresting. The fresh air, the sun on our skin; sometimes a short walk outside is all we need to feel refreshed and revived. But that's just the tip of the iceberg.

The University of Michigan, for example, conducted a study that revealed students who regularly went for a nature walk actually had a better time retaining information.

In a world where we are surrounded by screens, taking the time to unplug and go outside can do wonders for reducing stress as well. Nature has a calming effect on our brains, even if we are going outside for just five minutes each day. Plus, outdoor exercise, like going for a walk, hiking, and so forth, gets the blood flowing and heart pumping, another way to lower stress levels.

Studies also show that getting between 15 to 20 minutes a day of sunshine will allow your body to produce vitamin D, which helps strengthen bones and reduce the risk of cancer, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.

Furthermore, research has shown that going outdoors can help boost the immune system.

Some of the health benefits of nature are due to people getting more active when they are outside.

But research shows that even sitting still in nature (as with Japanese “forest bathing”) can improve health.

Patricia H Hasbach, PhD, a licensed psychotherapist and ecotherapist in Eugene, Oregon, said nature also provides a break from hours of mentally tiring “directed attention” — time spent focused on our work, our computer screen, driving.

“When people interrupt directed attention with even just brief times outdoors, they tend to allow for more involuntary attention,” Hasbach explained. “This becomes quite restorative for when people have to go back to directed attention.”

These benefits, however, only show up if you put down your smartphone and give nature your full attention, whether it’s a breathtaking view of the Grand Canyon or a tree near your apartment.