Now that the sun’s shining and Covid measures have eased back, people are spending more and more time outdoors. There are many benefits to being outside. So if you’ve been feeling a little blue and gloomy, open that front door and take a step to becoming a better you.
Boost of Energy
One of the many benefits of spending some time outside is that it’s a huge boost of energy! So if you’ve been relying on your coffee in order to be able to get some work done, take a breath of fresh air instead! According to a study conducted by the University of Georgia, low-intensity exercise, like walking, can reduce your fatigue by 65%.
Boosts your Immune System
Forest bathing, translated from the Japanese “shinrin-yoku”, means absorbing the forest atmosphere. It doesn’t mean literally bathing in a forest, but spending time in one in order to reap the benefits. A study conducted in Japan in 2010 suggests that forest bathing can increase immune function by increase white blood cell count for over 30 days after exposure. This is done through a process of breathing in phytoncides — volatile organic compounds produced by trees.
Boosts Creativity
Many people, such as the likes of Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs, claim to be most creative when they’re going for a walk outside. That’s the reason why they conducted many of their meetings on foot — it’s when they do their best thinking! You might think that’s just bogus, but there is some merit to this theory. One particular study conducted by Stanford researchers found that creativity levels were significantly higher in those that were walking compared to sitting.
Mood Booster
Nature has long been touted as the best mood booster anyone can have. In fact, nature is great at boosting people’s moods. So if you’re feeling like the day is just not going right, go for a walk outside and try stay in areas where there’s more greenery. Many studies show that being in nature, particularly areas in which there is a lot of greenery (and less man-made structures) can significantly increase moods. That might be why so many people say to add plants to your office space!
Decreased Levels of Stress and Anxiety
Because greenery can improve your mood, it comes as no surprise that it can decrease one’s levels of stress and anxiety. Because our environment is so fast-paced, many people may feel that they can’t keep up. This can have a profound impact on one’s mental health as responsibilities keep piling up one after the other. However, studies show that spending time outdoors can decrease levels of the stress hormone known as cortisol and even lower your blood pressure. It can make one feel much more well-rested. And the less stressed and anxious a person is, the more likely they are to be productive.
Assists with Seasonal Affective Disorder
Many people tend to think that seasonal affective disorder , depression related to a change in seasons, occurs because the weather starts getting colder and gloomier. But that’s not completely accurate. Seasonal affective disorder can also occur during the spring and summer months! There are many theories as to what causes SAD, but no one knows for sure. However, many mental health professionals do recommend to spend time outdoors, even if it’s cold or cloudy!
Boost in Vitamin D
A healthy body and mind needs vitamin D in order to function properly. Vitamin D has many different benefits — it helps with calcium absorption, which in turn will help prevent osteoporosis, and it soothes inflammation. You can get vitamin D from many different sources (tuna, salmon, sardines, and fortified milk), but the majority of vitamin D comes from sun exposure. But how much sun exposure is enough? According to a study published by Harvard Health Publishing , you should get between 10-15 minutes of sun a few times per week under the right circumstances to reap the benefits. However, this number can vary due to age, skin colour, and use of sunscreen. Moreover, the right circumstances are sometimes hard to come by. If you live in an area that is always cloudy or heavily polluted, consider supplementing with food or vitamin tablets.
Helps You Enjoy Working Out
While you may workout inside in your home gym or commercial gym, there are many more advantages to exercising outdoors during the summer months. Jogging through your neighbourhood might help you connect with people in your area who will wish to do the same. It might also increase your awareness of the local fauna. Many people often feel bored when working out indoors and will stop before they’re even close to pushing their limits. Working out outside will increase your endorphins, which will make it easier for you to keep going and beat your personal records.
Helps You Disconnect
In recent years, everything is done with the help of technology. We shop online, we connect with others through social media and texting, and we work from home with the help of business communication platforms. We’re so glued to our devices that we forget to be present and appreciate each moment as they pass us by. Going outside and being in nature will help you disconnect with your devices, and connect to the outside world. Many people claim that this helps them sleep better as it will reduce your exposure to blue light, but it also helps you get to know yourself and enjoy all the simple pleasures that life has to offer.
Improves focus
According to studies, people who have trouble focusing or reining in their impulses—adults as well as kids—are better able to focus after spending time in nature. The natural environment gives our brains a mental vacation from all of our mental exhaustion and can even help with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms (ADHD). Just as being outside can help you be more creative, it can also help you keep focused so that you can be as productive as you can be!
Less Recovery Time After Illness or Injury
Surprisingly, spending time outside can help you recover faster from injury or illness. Studies show that those who spend time outdoors recovered faster and needed less painkillers than those that didn’t. Those who spent time outside also had fewer complications.
Simply being in the natural world, even if it’s just in your backyard can help you reap these benefits. If you would like to take advantage of the summer, but don’t have a space to do so, consider contacting awning professionals . They can help you build your own little haven in your backyard, so that you can enjoy being outside come rain or shine.
