Need a break from checking your phone, answering emails, sitting at the computer, texting, yammering, tweeting or watching TV? It's known that increased use of technology in recent years can be a contributing factor to people's stress levels. But luckily there is a perfect remedy that's available to everyone—spend some time in nature.

Visiting Victoria's beautiful parks is not only fun but good for your health. We all know that being outside feels good, but research worldwide proves it really is good for you - physically, mentally and spiritually.

Spending time outdoors in green spaces can lower your blood pressure, improve your mood, lower cholesterol, help you relate better to other people, reduce stress levels, help you perform better at work and so much more. Studies have shown that even just looking at nature out a hospital window can help people recover faster from injury and surgery. And for children you can't beat time in nature for building their cognitive and social skills, as well as boosting their health.

The value of connecting with nature is more apparent with more people living in cities or urban areas. Many of us are connected to technology for hours every day – our computers, phones, tablets and more. Modern day ailments are on the rise – chronic diseases such as heart disease, obesity, arthritis and depression. Time in nature is a big part of the answer to all of this!

So it's time to get off the couch, switch off our devices, leave the city behind and get out into a park. No matter what takes your fancy, Victoria has something for everyone – high Alpine mountains, wide open deserts, cool mountain rainforests, urban parks brimming with facilities, stunning coastlines and more. Do your health a favour and discover Victoria's parks on your next holiday.