Q. I know the brain benefits from physical exercise but is there any benefit from walking outdoors in nature versus exercising indoors?

A. The brain is dependent on physical exercise to push the blood circulation through it bringing oxygen, nutrition, and needed micronutrients, as well as removing waste products. In recent studies, the participants reported more enjoyment of the outside activity. In addition, on subsequent psychological tests, participants scored significantly higher on measures of vitality, enthusiasm, pleasure, and self-esteem and lower on tension, depression, and fatigue after they walked outside.

You may be interested in a book written by Harvard physician Eva Selhub, MD, and Alan Logan, ND: Your Brain, On Nature: The Science of Nature's Influence on Health, Happiness and Your Mojo.