5 Benefits of Being Outdoors
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1 min read
No judgment if you prefer staying inside; however, there are some amazing benefits to gain from the outdoors—they might surprise you!
1. Easy Exercise
After spending time outside, have you ever glanced at your health app and realized you’ve walked a few miles without noticing it? There’s something about the unlimited space of the great outdoors and a breeze at your back that makes exercise feel effortless and even relaxing.
Here are some easy ways to exercise while outside:
- Visiting your local park
- Walking to your local coffee shop
- Gardening
- Beach walks
- Frisbee, golf, or badminton
- Visiting a sculpture garden
- Strolling around your neighborhood while listening to a podcast
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Outdoor stretching and/or yoga
2. Vitamin D
As the average American spends 87% of their day inside, there’s no doubt we could all use a little more vitamin D in our lives.
Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immunity, reducing the likelihood of depression, and regulating blood pressure. So step into the sunlight for a boost of vitamin D—but don’t forget to wear sunscreen!
3. Feel Better
Life is rather fast-paced these days. But Michelle Kondo, a research social scientist with the USDA Forest Service’s Northern Station, has some hopeful findings. In an interview with the USDA Forest Service, she said,
Since scientists have gained access to data sets... we are finding that patient diagnoses and chronic illness risk are often related to where an individual lives and their proximity to green spaces.
Research has found that time spent in nature reduces our muscle tension and cortisol levels. In other words, spending a few minutes under the sun can literally melt the strain of a stressful day off your shoulders.
4. Fuel Your Creativity
Many artists have found inspiration in the beauty of nature, perhaps most notably the impressionist painters, Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet. Even J.R.R. Tolkien, the author of the Lord of the Rings series, was known for taking long walks where he could look at trees and flowers.
Whether you enjoy ocean views, forest glens, or wide-open plains, find a local nature spot that fuels your creativity.
5. Gather Round
The more the merrier, right? Use your outdoor time to socialize with friends and neighbors! There are a lot of fun opportunities out there:
- Barbecues
- Picnics (picking a theme is always fun!)
- Local hikes
- Beach days
- Recreational sports
Important Note
The information provided here is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be used in medical emergencies or for diagnosing or treating any medical condition. It's crucial to consult a licensed medical professional for diagnosis and treatment. External links are for informational purposes and do not constitute endorsements. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the products and/or the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of the information provided herein.
Sources
Vitamin D: Benefits, Sources, Deficiencies (healthline.com)
The wellness benefits of the great outdoors | US Forest Service (usda.gov)
