We all love to get outside and enjoy the breeze on our face, the sun on our skin, and being active. Science proves it doesn’t just make us feel better, it actual health benefits.

1. It can ease depression

According to a University of Michigan study, group walks in nature can ease the stresses from serious or everyday life, whether loss of a loved one or a tough workday, enhance mental health and significantly lower the level of depression. Stressful work day? Grab a snack and head to a park for a walk. You’ll feel better afterward.

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2. It improves your focus

It doesn’t really take scientists to tell us we are overstimulated. Computers, cellphones, TV, radio and other distractions keep us from focus and some might say mental stability. According to a study in Psychological Science, interacting with nature gives your brain a break from over stimulation.

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3. It improves your vitamin D level

Why is vitamin D important? Vitamin D helps your body regulate calcium and phosphorous absorption, which helps maintain healthy bones and teeth. It’s been suggested as a protective effect against multiple diseases and conditions such as cancer, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Vitamin D can be a tricky nutrient to get enough of, because so few foods carry it. Most of us soak up between 80 and 90 percent of our vitamin D from the sun’s golden rays, Dr. Michael F. Holick told The Huffington Post. And while we all know to protect ourselves from the sun to avoid skin cancer, we need vitamin D for bone growth, cell growth, inflammation reduction and neuromuscular and immune function. Unfortunately, your skin can only drink in the vitamin D from unprotected exposure. That’s why Holick suggests what he calls “sensible sun exposure.” That means only going out in the sun for about one third to one half of the amount of time it would take your skin to mildly burn, or roughly 10 to 15 minutes’ exposure for most of us. After you’ve gotten a bit of vitamin D, slap on some sunscreen and continue your explorations.

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4. Being outdoors make us happy

Spending more time with nature increases our positive moods, says Seattle-based environmental psychologist Judith Heerwagon. While we don’t know exactly why this happens, “the theory is that we respond positively to things that are good for us,” Heerwagon says. “Trees offer shade, protection and often have fruits and nuts, so they are a source of food as well as protection and comfort.” The idea is that we like things that are inherently good for us and our survival, which is why trees and other natural elements can help lift our moods.

5. Nature has healing effects

Light tends to elevate our mood, and unless you live in a glass house or are using a light box to treat seasonal affective disorder, there’s usually more light available outside than in. Physical activity has been shown to relax and cheer people up, so if being outside replaces inactive pursuits with active ones, it might also mean more smiles and laughter.

Researchers at the University of Essex in England are advancing the notion that exercising in the presence of nature has added benefit, particularly for mental health. Their investigations into “green exercise,” dovetail with research showing benefits from living in proximity to green, open spaces.

In 2010 the English scientists reported results from a meta-analysis of their own studies that showed just five minutes of green exercise resulted in improvements in self-esteem and mood.

University of Pittsburgh researchers reported in 2005 that spinal surgery patients experienced less pain and stress and took fewer pain medications during their recoveries if they were exposed to natural light. An older study showed that the view out a patient’s window (trees vs. a brick wall) had an effect on the patient’s recovery. Of course, windows and views are different than being outside, but we’re betting that adding a little fresh air to the equation couldn’t hurt and might help.

When it comes down to it we all know being outside makes us feel better. It brightens our mood, and walking in a beautiful setting has to be better for us than walking on a treadmill in a closed gym.

So get outside and play. Take a walk. Breathe the fresh air. Take advantage of the benefits of being outdoors in our lovely state.

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