Can Being Outside Help You Feel Better?

Can Being Outside Help You Feel Better?

90% of people spend close to 22 hours inside every day! Spending time outdoors is a simple way to improve your overall health and wellness. Many people do not realize how little time they spend outdoors or how this affects their mental and physical health. Taking just a few minutes a day to get some fresh air can have a significant impact on your health.

An expanding body of research suggests that direct exposure to nature has a range of positive health benefits.

Here are just a few benefits to spending time outdoors

1) Fresh air is good for your digestive system

Fresh air increases the flow of oxygen helping you digest food more effectively so this will particularly help if you are trying to lose weight.

2) Fresh air helps improve blood pressure and heart rate

According to a study from the NIH, spending time outside can lower your pulse rate, blood pressure and sympathetic nervous system, which all have a relaxing effect on the body. These are also great ways to maintain your heart health and lower your risk for heart attack or stroke.

3) Fresh air makes you happier

Spending time outdoors helps boost your mood! Studies show that levels of anxiety, stress, and others are reduced by being outdoors. When you are outside, the fresh air can help raise oxygen levels in your brain, which increases serotonin levels. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that alters your mood. Getting some fresh air is a simple way to improve your mood!

4) Fresh air strengthens your immune system

By increasing the amount of fresh air we get, will increase the amount of oxygen which helps our white blood cells function properly by fighting and killing bacteria and germs.

5) Fresh air cleans your lungs

Your lungs dilate more from having an increase of oxygen so fresh air improves the cleansing of your lungs. You release airborne toxins from your body when exhaling through your lungs.

6) Fresh air gives you more energy and a sharper mind

You may have noticed after spending time outside, you come back indoors feeling brighter and perhaps ready to get back to work. More oxygen results in greater brain functioning, improving your concentration skills and providing you with more energy.

7. Increases physical activity Being outside encourages physical activity. Whether it is going for a walk, hiking, or even gardening, there are countless ways you can increase your exercise by being outdoors! Exercise and physical activity release endorphins which boost your mood.

8. Relieves stress Did you know America is one of the most stressed countries in the world? Over 50% of Americans report being stressed daily. Spending 20-30 minutes outside has been proven to reduce stress levels. Even for a short period, being outdoors can reduce cortisol levels, which is the natural chemical in your body that causes stress.

9. Vitamin D Your body needs sunlight to make vitamin D. This vitamin regulates the amount of calcium and phosphate in your body, which keeps your bones, teeth, and muscles healthy! Being in the sun from 5 to 15 minutes, 2-3 times a week, will help you get the vitamin D and sunshine your body needs.

10. Improves Sleep Being outdoors helps to set your sleep cycle! Your body runs on an internal clock or circadian rhythm. When you spend time outside during the day, the exposure to sunlight regulates this internal clock and allows you to sleep longer and better!

No matter where you go, it’s gratifying just to know that the second you step out the door, you can reap fresh air’s rewards