Science Says Spring is the Best
The Gorge is Open for the Season
Science Says Spring is the Best
Spring is on the way and The Gorge is open for the season! The days are getting longer, the birds are chirping and the flowers are coming alive. Come experience the magic of spring in the steepest, fastest and most exciting way imaginable.
The mature trees haven’t dawned their leaves yet, offering incredible views of the iconic Green River Gorge. The undergrowth is blossoming with daffodils, dandelions, buttercups and yellow violets. The fragrance alone is worth the trip! It’s so amazing in fact, spring may just be our favorite season here at The Gorge. Sure summer, winter, and fall have their merits, but spring, in our humble opinion is the most lovable of all the seasons. Not convinced? Here are 5 scientific reasons that back up our feelings about Spring.
1. Warmer Temps
In Western North Carolina the season brings mild temperatures in the 60s and 70s. People tend to be most comfortable at temperatures of about 72°F, research shows, so the arrival of spring means you can finally ditch the winter coat.
2. We’re More Creative
A 2005 study from the University of Michigan linked spending 30 minutes or more outside in warm, sunny spring weather to increased creativity. The researchers found that being outdoors broadened participants’ minds, leaving them more open to new information and creative thoughts.
3. Fresh Produce
A 2016 study of more than 12,000 Australians found that when people increased the number of fruits and vegetables in their diet, they felt happier and had higher rates of life satisfaction. If they increased their intake by eight portions a day (a tall order, we know) the psychological gains were equivalent to the change in well-being people experience when they go from being unemployed to having a job, the researchers found. Amazing eh?!
4. We Can Exercise Outside
While it’s important to keep moving no matter what the weather, research shows that working out can be more beneficial if you do it outside. A 2011 study found that, compared with an indoor workout, exercising outdoors in nature increased energy levels, made people feel revitalized, and decreased tension, among other positive effects. Basically, it’s a whole lot easier to get fired up to go for a run outside than on a treadmill!
5. The Fresh Air
Plants take in roughly 25 percentof the carbon emissions humans produce, absorbing more than 100 gigatons of carbon through photosynthesis each growing season. Because of this, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere drops each spring and summer. So next time you’re deep in the forest and you notice how fresh the air smells…that’s because it is!