Be healthier. Start spending more time outdoors.
Spending time outdoors can be good for you in more ways than one. In fact, numerous studies reveal that connecting with nature can significantly affect a person’s health, outlook and overall quality of life.
However, it is unfortunate to note that most people rarely go outside to enjoy what nature has to offer. Some people even have the notion that the great outdoors is something to be enjoyed from a distance while some believe that spending time outdoors should be limited on special occasions and should not be a part of their regular schedule. If you are one of these people, here are some things you definitely need to know.
Why Spending Time Outdoors Can Be Good for Your Health
It can help you get enough vitamin D into your system. Numerous studies indicate that vitamin D can help you fight inflammation. It can also help strengthen your immune system and prevent certain conditions such as hormonal problems, obesity, osteoporosis, heart attacks and cancer.?
It can combat stress and anxiety. Going outdoors and enjoying the beauty of nature has been proven to elevate people’s moods. It can also be a great way to destress and maintain a happier, more positive outlook toward life.
It can help you restore your focus. Spending time in the great outdoors allows your mind to take a break ? something that you cannot easily get if you live in an urban environment that constantly demands your attention. Take a break from time to time and you can have a clearer, more focused mindset.
It increases your quality of sleep. Insufficient sleep can reduce a person’s productivity and overall quality of life and may even have hazardous outcomes. In addition, it may also increase a person risk of certain conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, depression, obesity and cancer. Unfortunately, over 70 million Americans suffer from various sleep disorders and wakefulness while more than 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. In addition, more than 200,000 Americans suffer from narcolepsy, a condition that involves poor sleep-wake cycles. Fortunately, you can improve your quality of sleep and avoid all these complications by spending more time outdoors.
It accelerates the healing process. In a 2005 study conducted at the University of Pittsburg, it was observed that patients who underwent spinal surgery experienced less pain and stress during the recovery period when they were exposed to natural light.
Considering all the healthy benefits of spending time outdoors, you should really try to make it a daily ritual. So, start going for daily morning walks, find a trail, try gardening or simple spend more time in your local park. It will definitely do you a lot of good.
