“Nature is good for the soul.” You've heard that one before—but did you really listen to it? It can be challenging to step outside when phones, tablets, and televisions are desperate for our attention. But with so many benefits of simply spending time outside each day, the change is worth the reward.
Stressed or anxious? Spending time in a natural space can increase levels of endorphins and dopamine – two chemicals your body produces to help you feel more at ease, calm, and happy. Nature boosts these two chemicals, elevating feelings of happiness rather than stress. Something as simple as taking a walk around the block can improve your mood and reduce the stressors that we combat in our everyday life.
On average, people spend 4.8 hours on their phones daily. Spending at least two hours a week in nature, less than half the time the average person spends on their phone daily, can help you focus and concentrate on what is around you. Soak in nature rather than scrolling through a feed. Taking a brisk walk or moving your work outdoors can help reduce mental health problems by as much as 50%.
Anxiety and stress plague our society, yet nature offers us a simple solution. Being present outdoors decreases your risks of anxiety, depression, and stress, according to a recent study. Getting outside can look different for everyone - sit on your porch and watch the life around you. Start a garden and plant your favorite vegetable. Take a sunset walk with a neighbor. The possibilities are endless.
Less stress AND lower blood pressure? Sign us up! Feeling calmer and at peace outdoors leads to lower blood pressure, and signals your body to produce less cortisol (the hormone that causes stress). Cortisol directly affects everything from your body's stress response to how you metabolize energy. Less cortisol in your system benefits your health across the board!
Why not enjoy these benefits of nature in your backyard? Here in Liberty Hill, TX, wildlife and plant life are at your fingertips to brighten your time outdoors. In the Texas Hill Country, you can encounter a variety of animals, including white-tailed deer, rabbits, squirrels, foxes, prairie dogs, and more in the right landscape. You may also spot some of our native plants like the Turk’s Cap, American Beautyberry, Rock Rose, or Flame Acanthus.
With a wide range of planned amenities in Lariat, including a comprehensive trail system, pavilion and park spaces, a dog park, and a community dock and pond, you will find plenty of natural space to welcome you, your family, and your furry friends. Live where the simple things are the only things that matter, and where time itself seems to slow down. Visit the Lariat community page to learn more about the exciting vision and design behind this natural community.