The rapid advancements in technology may provide access to extended use, whether it be for work or leisure. Spending time indoors tapping away on a keyboard, playing video games or watching videos on YouTube can be a nice way to spend an evening. However spending too much time with technology is not always as good as it sounds. In search of a destressor, many chose to become more connected with nature, which can actually have interesting health benefits.

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Spending time outdoors can be very beneficial to the mind, body and soul. Connections with nature can be the best medicine for people of all ages, improving health, happiness and well-being. There can be many physical benefits to spending time outdoors, especially while hiking, biking or doing other exercise related activities, and there are just as many, if not more, mental benefits. Spending time in nature has been linked to improved attention span, boosts in serotonin (the “feel good” neurotransmitter) and increased activity in the parts of the brain responsible for empathy, emotional stability and love.

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The sun is a large provider of Vitamin D which is essential in maintaining a healthy immune system, and can help prevent heart disease and immune disorders. Vitamin D supplements can be ineffective and sometimes unsafe.

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Along with the prolonged use of technology can come computer vision syndrome, eye problems caused by staring at a screen too close or for long periods of time. This can cause blurred vision, eye irritation and headaches. Going outside and focusing on objects that are not in front of the face can help prevent and even reverse symptoms. Research has shown that increased exposure to artificial light is having a negative impact on nearsightedness. Artificial light is becoming more of a problem, and natural light may be a solution.

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Sleep patterns are regulated by an internal body clock called the circadian rhythm, which is naturally tied to the suns schedule. Increased exposure to artificial light can mess with an individual's circadian rhythm, and early morning exposure to sunlight has been proven to help recalibrate sleep cycles. Spending a few consecutive days in the outdoors, say camping or backpacking, can help reset sleep cycles faster.

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Outdoor pollution is undoubtedly bad for the health, but indoor pollutants, such as gases produced from appliances, can be much worse. According to the California Air Resource Board, indoor air pollutants are 25-62 percent greater than outside levels which pose serious health risks. A NASA study composed a list of 15 houseplants that improve indoor air quality, which has been said to be a decent supplement.

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Even a light walk can have health benefits, especially opposed to sitting, which has been referred to ask the smoking of the current generation. Spending too much time sitting can impair fat burning capacity, increase blood pressure and shorten life span. Exercising outdoors has benefits over exercising indoors. Those who choose to run outside exert more energy and tend to run longer with increased enjoyment, the same going for cyclists.

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While spending time indoors may seem relaxing, many may be surprised at how relaxed they feel when spending some time in nature.