As more people spend less time outdoors and in front of computers and televisions, the ideas about getting out in the natural world get a little misconstrued. Whether it is people thinking that wild animals are always out to get them or that poison ivy is contagious, there are many common misconceptions about the great outdoors that people need to stop believing. So to set the record straight and get people to start respecting and enjoying all of the beauty nature has to offer, here is the truth behind some common myths!
Why Are People Spending Less Time Outside?
In recent years, there has been a sharp decline in the amount of time people spend outside, which can be for various reasons, including more indoor entertainment like movies and video games and increased online access through smartphones and home internet. A study from 2019 found that adults spend 87% of their waking hours indoors on average, and children spend nearly 75% of their time inside.
While technology has many benefits, it doesn’t make up for the importance of spending time outside. Being in nature has been linked to numerous physical and mental health benefits, from reducing stress levels to fighting depression to lowering blood pressure and improving sleep quality. So if you are looking for a way to improve your well-being, getting outside is one of the best options available!
Misconceptions About The Great Outdoors
With such a staggering number of people spending almost no time outside, it’s no surprise that many misconceptions have developed over time. And without experiencing the outdoors firsthand, these misconceptions have become widely believed. Here are some of the most common myths about nature:
Wild Animals Are Always Out To Get You
People often think of the great outdoors as a dangerous place where wild animals are constantly on the prowl, ready to pounce at any moment. While it’s true that some animals can be aggressive, this is largely a misconception of the natural world and one that holds very little truth. Most wild animals generally go out of their way to avoid human contact. It’s more often that people disturb them in their natural habitat instead of the other way around.
Most people only notice when animals become active and begin to take precautions against them when they threaten their living environment. Considering this, it’s more likely that you will be injured or attacked by a domesticated pet than by any wild animal! So the next time you think about going out into nature, remember that it is far safer than most people realize.
Bugs Will Give You Diseases
Contrary to popular belief, most bugs won’t give you diseases when you are outside. Most of the species you might encounter in the wild are harmless, and their presence simply indicates a healthy ecosystem. Sure, there may be the occasional exceptions, such as mosquito-borne illnesses, but that is typically because those particular bugs have adapted to having humans as a food source.
When it comes down to it, all you need to do is cover up against insects and use common sense when outdoors. Keeping yourself safe and your environment healthy is just a matter of learning how to coexist with your many fascinating cohabitants.
