RM | OUTDOORS The Outdoors Are Still Open Enjoying Missouri's natural beauty good for the heart, head and soul by Zach Smith | zsmith@ruralmissouri.coop From the prairies to the woods to the waters, Missouri's conservation areas and other public lands offer opportunities for all tastes. 40 RURAL MISSOURI | MAY 2020 I t's difficult to overstate the benefits of an outdoor adventure. Something as simple as a walk in the woods carries the health benefits of physical exercise, from reducing risk associated with certain diseases to helping you sleep. But the outdoors also recharges our batteries in another way. According to the American Heart Association, studies have shown spending time in nature has a positive effect on mental health including alleviating stress, anxiety, fatigue and depression while at the same time boosting our feelings of joy and well-being.