Physical Benefits of the Outdoors
This vitamin, often called the "sunshine vitamin," is naturally produced when your skin is exposed to sunlight.
What is Vitamin D?
Spending time outside in group activities often helps people develop and strengthen these connections with family and friends.
What are relationships?
The Bible often uses nature as a symbol for God’s creation. Spending time outdoors helps Christians feel closer to the Creator mentioned in the very first book of the Bible.
What is Genesis?
Spending time outdoors can help reduce feelings of this emotion, often associated with stress and a racing mind.
What is anxiety?
This planet is known as the "Red Planet" due to its reddish appearance.
What is Mars?
Engaging in this outdoor activity for 30 minutes a day has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, reduce blood pressure, and boost overall fitness.
What is walking?
Outdoor team sports, like Orienteering or Canyoning, are great for building this quality, which involves working well with others toward a common goal.
What is teamwork?
Spending time in the beauty of nature allows Christians to reflect on this quality of God, described in Psalm 19:1 as being displayed in the heavens.
What is God's glory?
Studies have shown that spending time in nature can boost the production of this “feel-good” chemical in the brain, which improves mood.
What is serotonin?
This large African mammal, often seen near rivers and lakes, is known for its dangerous temper and powerful bite.
What is a hippopotamus?
Studies show that spending time in nature can reduce this "stress hormone," leading to decreased anxiety and physical tension.
What is cortisol?
Participating in outdoor group activities can improve this skill, essential for resolving conflicts and understanding others' perspectives.
What is communication?
When Jesus needed time for prayer and solitude, He often retreated to these natural places, setting an example of finding spiritual renewal in quiet outdoor spaces.
What are mountains or wilderness?
Exposure to natural environments has been found to decrease symptoms of this mental health condition, which often involves prolonged sadness and low motivation.
What is depression?
This language has the most native speakers in the world, with over a billion people using it as their first language.
What is Mandarin Chinese?
Outdoor activities that improve balance and coordination, like hiking on uneven terrain, are especially beneficial for this group, as it reduces fall risk and strengthens core muscles.
Who are older adults or seniors?
Outdoor activities that involve risk, like rock climbing or a ropes course, help individuals develop this crucial trait, which builds deeper connections between people.
What is trust.
In Matthew 6, Jesus uses examples from nature, like the lilies and the birds, to teach about this practice, encouraging His followers to rely on God rather than worry.
What is trusting in God’s provision?
Spending time outdoors can help people clear their minds and reduce mental fatigue, which is why it’s often recommended for people feeling overwhelmed. This effect is known as “nature’s way of giving us a mental break.”
What is mental restoration?
In mathematics, this is the term for a number that can only be divided by itself and 1, with examples including 2, 3, 5, and 7.
What is a prime number?
This Japanese practice, known as "forest bathing," has been associated with a stronger immune system and improved heart health due to natural chemicals called phytoncides.
What is Shinrin-yoku?
This term refers to a person's sense of belonging and contribution within a group, often enhanced through shared outdoor experiences and mutual support.
What is social cohesion?
Being surrounded by nature can help Christians feel this, a deep sense of awe and respect for God’s power and beauty, as seen in verses like Psalm 8:3-4.
What is a sense of wonder?
Being outside can help the body relax and recover from stress by calming the nervous system, helping people feel peaceful and at ease.
What is the relaxation response?
This South American country is the only one where Portuguese, rather than Spanish, is the official language.
What is Brazil?