Get OUTDOORS for Your Health! (Part I)

Did you know that simply spending time outdoors is good for you?  Getting away from smartphones, computers, televisions, air-conditioning, and indoor lifestyles has the potential to truly benefit our health and well-being.  According to government estimates, the majority of Americans spend 90% of their time indoors ⁽¹⁾.  If that is the case, we are truly missing out on enjoying this beautiful world and experiencing the diverse benefits of being in the open air.

    1. Vitamin D - The brightest benefit of being outdoors is sunlight! Sunlight begins the process of creating the biologically active form of vitamin D – the sunshine vitamin—which is helpful protecting against cancer, depression, joint issues, heart attack, strokes, osteoporosis and more.  While we all are familiar with the warnings of not being out too long in the sun, avoiding the most direct summer sun etc., make it a goal to enjoy the sun for 20 minutes daily without sunscreen.  (You might also talk to your doctor about a vitamin D supplement if you live in a geographical area that is sunshine challenged!)

  

    2. Extra Fitness - Another benefit the great outdoors is added fitness for your day. Obviously you don’t need to be outside in order to be active, but simply making a priority to go outdoors can lead to a higher activity level.  British researchers used GPS units and accelerometers (which sense movement) to track the activity level of 1,000 children. Amazingly, they discovered that children were more than doubly active when they were outside ⁽¹⁾.  That’s amazing! Even on those days when the weather isn’t appealing, make the effort for your children’s health.

     3. Better Sleep –Enjoying the fresh air may also improve the quality of your sleep.  Studies have shown that natural sunlight assists in setting the body’s natural circadian rhythms that help us know when to sleep and eat, as well as normalize hormonal functions that occur during the day.   Sleep is essential for our health and well-being, and often plays a crucial role when we are trying to lose weight ⁽³⁾. 

   4. Improved Concentration – Spending time in nature and away from technology and work has been shown to improve memory performance and attention spans ⁽²⁾.   A University of Kansas study showed a 50% boost in creativity for individuals that spent a few days in nature.  Personally, I don’t think that means you have to go camping every weekend, just make a habit to check out some nearby nature trails or local parks.   

 

   5. Brighter Outlook on Life – Having a rough day? Head on outside to lighten up your mood! Take a few deep breaths and feel yourself release the tension you’ve been carrying.  A study in England showed that just 5 minutes of “green exercise” resulted in improvements in self-esteem and mood ⁽¹⁾.  Time outdoors often means fun, family, laughter, games, and friends, all of which help you to relax and enjoy life.  

Heading outdoors is so simple, and it takes just a little effort to reap some wonderful rewards.  Inspired to plan an hour or two outside today? Some fun outdoor activities and ideas are coming up in Part II!

Sources:

(July 2010). A Prescription for Better Health: Go Alfresco. Harvard Health Publications. Retrieved September 11, 2013, from http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Health_Letter/2010/July/a-prescription-for-better-health-go-alfresco?utm_source=mental&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=health0710

Louv, R. (July 13, 2012).  Health Benefits of Being Outdoors. AARP Real Possibilities. Retrieved September 10, 2013, from http://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-07-2012/health-benefits-of-nature.html

Walters, J. (n.d.). Why Getting Outside is So Good for You: Are you Nature-Deprived? Sparkpeople. Retrieved on September 11, 2013, from http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/wellness_articles.asp?id=1680&page=2