Wouter Van Doorn

One of the biggest perks of moving to Central America is the overwhelming prevalence of nature.  Undoubtedly the breathtaking vistas and endless opportunities for exploration have been the driving force behind many expats’ decisions to move here.

But recent studies suggest that the benefits of being in close proximity to natural environments may include more than just a nice view.

Researchers have studied both the short- and long-term effects of exposure to nature, and–based on their findings–it’s no wonder that people living in Central America enjoy a quality of life that rivals any area on the globe.

Being Outside Combats Two of the World’s Largest Contributors to Disease

People who spend more time in a natural setting have been proven to be healthier overall than those who don’t.  Period.  Among the specific improvements in their health were lower blood pressure and cholesterol, an improved outlook on life, and a reduction in stress levels.

Most notably, spending time in nature provides improvement in the areas of mental health and cardiovascular disease, which are projected to become the two biggest worldwide contributors to disease within the next few years.

Other indirect benefits cited include decreased feelings of depression, greater satisfaction with life in general, increased self-esteem, and a reduction in negative emotions such as anger and anxiety.  People who spend considerable time outdoors also tend to be less aggressive and violent, less likely to procrastinate, and better able to solve problems.

It Has Nothing to Do with Exercise

You may be surprised to learn that the benefits gained from being in nature don’t even take your activity level into consideration, although people who spend more time outside do tend to be more active.  Instead, it’s the mere contact with nature that seems to do the trick.

Several studies even used photographs of serene natural settings to achieve the same outcome, (but–don’t worry–you won’t need to resort to that when the beautiful landscapes of Central America are all around you).  As little as 20 minutes per day spent in nature was enough to increase participants’ vitality levels by as much as 90% and eliminate feelings of exhaustion.

So, forget hiking or rock climbing.  All you really need to do to improve your overall health and wellness in Central America is spend some time bird watching in a nearby nature preserve or taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of your own garden.

photo by Bill Tacular

“Clearing Your Head” Isn’t Just a Figure of Speech

The mechanics behind what actually happens when you spend time in nature really aren’t all that complex.  And, when you consider the fact that humans have lived in rural settings for centuries but only in urban environments for the past few decades, this really shouldn’t have been such a hard conclusion for scientists to reach.

Urban environments, where we’re surrounded by things like traffic and technology, serve as a continual drain on our mental resources.  We’re bombarded by stimuli, making it increasingly difficult to focus, rest, or recharge.

Nature, on the other hand, has an innate ability to capture our attention.  When we focus on the natural world around us, our brains are given a break from all of the artificial attractions that normally compete for our awareness.  By contemplating nature, we involuntarily shut off a large part of our nervous system activity, giving our brain the time it needs to refuel.

By isolating the part of the brain that performs more focused introspection, we also increase our creativity, attention span, and performance on a number of cognitive tests. And the longer the better.  Participants of one study improved their scores by 20% after a 3-hour hike.  However, those who were gone for four days saw an improvement of 50%.

Contact with Nature Is Even More Crucial for Expats

In one particular study, the benefits of being in nature were found to be even more important for those in an unfamiliar setting, such as expats living abroad.  It gave these individuals a greater sense of identity and oneness with their new country.  They tended to feel more integrated, rather than isolated.  They also reported a greater sense of possibility and empowerment.

Being in nature has also proven to benefit entire communities, as it often lends itself to increased social contact and cohesion.  Parks and community gardens provide opportunities to socialize.  Environmental volunteer opportunities allow locals and expats to bond through social connections and a shared sense of commitment to the local environment.

How Moving to Central America Can Be Beneficial to Your Children’s Health

Increased time spent in nature has been linked to the reduction of many of the chronic health conditions that increasingly plague America’s youth, such as obesity, asthma, ADD, and ADHD.  Not to mention mental health concerns like depression and anxiety.

A growing problem in the U.S. is vitamin D deficiency, which has been linked to cardiovascular problems later in life.  Vitamin D is produced by the skin after sunlight exposure.  This nutrient is important for a number of bodily functions and is essential for the proper absorption of calcium.

With an abundance of natural settings to choose from in Central America, your children could benefit from the scientifically-proven increase in good health and happiness that comes from free and unstructured play outdoors.   Research has shown that it improves children’s independence and sense of self, their cognitive development, and their overall well-being.

Want to improve your ability to focus and your children’s ability to cooperate?  Find out more about the benefits of moving your family abroad.