Good Reasons Why You Should Spend More Time in Rural Spaces

One of the best things about living in the Philippines is how easy it is to leave the city and be one with nature without traveling too far. You can literally just drive out and be on a beach, mountain, or lake in a few hours.

That said, we do tend to take nature for granted. And, things have to change because science says rural staycations does us all more good than we all think. In fact, it can boost our health in more ways than one.

According to a study by the University of East Anglia, spending time outside has several benefits—thanks to the absence of noise pollution.

Urban noise pollution have been associated with increased symptoms of depressive symptoms and, of course, stress. The biggest ones being that it reduces the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, preterm birth, stress, and high blood pressure.

"We hope that this research will inspire people to get outside more and feel the health benefits for themselves," says lead author Caoimhe Twohig-Bennett. "Hopefully our results will encourage policymakers and town planners to invest in the creation, regeneration, and maintenance of parks and greenspaces, particularly in urban residential areas and deprived communities that could benefit the most."

h/t: Men's Health UK

This story originally appeared on Esquiremag.ph.

* Minor edits have been made by the Realliving.com.ph editors.