We all know that getting outside can generally make us feel better - but why is this? here are some reasons why getting outdoors can be good for you.
Reduces stress levels
Going for a walk is one of the best ways of reducing stress levels (the bad kind of stress). Steady state exercise outdoors has a calming effect on the body whilst also helping reduce blood pressure and therefore the stress hormone - cortisol.
Walking in open spaces, near rivers or the sea is best due to the air quality - and well lets face it, that's much nicer than a packed city centre.
Stress is unfortunately part of daily life but limiting the negative kind can help improve most aspects of your health. Factor in some down-time to help balance your life.
Improved sleep
Believe it or not the sun is over 200x more powerful than any office lighting. Why is this important? well being in sunlight helps regulate the time it takes you to fall asleep and the quality of that sleep.
Although difficult in the UK, try to spend some time outdoors in the sunlight but of course remember your suncream!
Having improved sleep will also have a direct impact on your immune system health, ability to recovery from illness and much more...You always feel better after a good nights sleep right?.
There are also other factors at play when its comes to a good nights sleep; avoid big meals before bedtime, avoid screens or blue light in the evening, restrict caffeine after midday and make sure your bedroom environment is comfortable and at the right temperature.
Improved concentration & focus
These days it is very easy to be distracted by that vibrating phone in the corner and therefore we find it more and more difficult to focus on simple tasks. Research has shown that being in nature improves our ability to restore concentration and focus our minds on a task. It's almost like pushing the "reset" button after a long day/week at work. Allow our body the time to re set.
Improved mood & motivation
I am a firm believer in exercise, the outdoors and direct sunlight having a meaningful impact on your mood. There are many studies that claim "exercise and the outdoors can be as effective as antidepressants in improving the symptoms of mild depression" The National Institute for Clinical Excellence recommends that people with mild to moderate depression should exercise for 45-60 minutes at least three times a week. Why is this? - maybe it's the exercise, maybe it's the sunlight, maybe it's the better sleep or maybe its a combination of all the above. What we do know though is being outdoors and exercise gives us the motivation required to continue and even try new types of exercise. This then becomes a chain reaction of positivity.
Boost your immune system
Swapping the soap for some mud every now and then isn't a bad idea either, spending time outdoors can help your immune system function optimally. Exposing yourself to microorganisms found in nature that aren’t dangerous help to prepare your body for more serious infections long term.
If you live your life in a "safe" environment, your immune system can lose its ability to recognise what is and isn’t dangerous. This hand in hand with a lack of sleep, vitamin d, exercise and everything else associated with limited time outdoors can be a landslide waiting to happen. Give your body the best chance and embrace the outdoors.
Summary
It’s really easy these days to forget that a whole world exists outside your front door. Making a habit of spending regular time outdoors, especially in nature, can do a lot to boost your physical and mental wellbeing.
Jack Duncan
03.01.2023
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