Genesis 3:22, 23
22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
23 Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from from where he was taken.
It certainly was not and has not been a blessing to know good and evil. I love knowing good but hate knowing evil. And what a horrendous thought to live forever in a world such as ours! The only good thing I can think about it is that we long for a world without sin and suffering. Genesis 3:21 says, Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from from where he was taken.
Spending time outdoors can improve one’s health: “Studies have proven plants make people feel calmer, reduce stress, improve productivity, and more. From a more anecdotal perspective, the acts of gardening or even caring for houseplants can offer a sense of stability and control.”. https://www.givinggrove.org/blog-reference/post-pandemic-gardening?gclid=CjwKCAjwl6OiBhA2EiwAuUwWZaYzOKUBfoT_jR0s29jfnkj9x9wYaKre1gwe18TwwFKrC0D6XaWRShoChPMQAvD_BwE
Getting exercise is a great way to build muscle and feel good, and it can protect against many types of cancers, including cancer of the bladder, breast, colon, kidney, and stomach. Regular exercise can prevent obesity, a risk factor for many cancers and it can improve the immune system function, control hormones related to cancer growth, and prevent high blood glucose levels.
The body, exposed to natural light, may heal faster. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh reported that spinal surgery patients experienced less pain and stress and took fewer pain medications during their recovery if they were exposed to natural light. Another study showed that “the view outside a window affected patient recovery. A healthy immune system is always beneficial, but cancer patients may find it particularl.y helpful, especially if undergoing surgery”.
Walking among the trees can lower blood pressure and reduce the stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenaline.
The sun can nourish the body with Vitamin D which helps the body use calcium and phosphorus to make strong bones and teeth. “Research suggests that women with low levels of Vitamin D have a higher risk of breast cancer. It is believed that Vitamin D plays a role in controlling normal cell growth and may stop breast cancer cells from growing.”
Perhaps the most immediate benefit to spending time outdoors is a scientifically proven good mood. “Researchers have found that nature simply makes us happy and decreases anxiety, depression, and anger”.
So, let’s get outside as often and for as long as we possibly can!
Quotes regarding benefits of being outdoors: https://www.nfcr.org/blog/5-ways-spending-more-time-outside-benefits-our-health/?gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwl6OiBhA2EiwAuUwWZR4VmenKYMoVNQzzxM2DmuAjzPP-LlVxWfragpna7rm7STXl_MwQ8hoCIVcQAvD_BwE