Summer is here! How much time do you spend outside enjoying summer? A few minutes per day? Maybe a few hours during the weekend?
Here are 5 important reasons why you need to spend as much time outside as possible:
Sunshine! Sun exposure will increase vitamin D levels. Studies show that most of us suffer from low vitamin D levels – and not just in the winter months! Vitamin D is vitally important as it is influencing and regulating up to 2,000 different genes. That means almost everything your body does relies on this vitamin.
Having insufficient levels of vitamin D may be the primary cause of depression, heart disease, cancer and multiple sclerosis according to recent research.
Sun exposure might not be enough to cover your total need of this vitamin but every minute you spend outside will help you fill your reserves.
Breathe better air quality. Fresh air has always a higher oxygen content. If you plan to do some breathing exercises and practice yoga breathing, go outside if possible. Or at least open the windows.
Now in many office buildings opening windows are not possible so why don’t you plan to take your lunch break in a nearby park. You get not just much needed exercise, fresh air and sunshine. Isn’t that just the most awesome combo? Still many times we opt to spend those precious minutes of mid-day break in a shopping center, food court or at another closed space.
Taking deep belly breaths costs nothing and you will feel its benefits long after you returned back to the office.
Movement – getting outside automatically means that you move your body. A few minutes of walking does a world of good to your body and soul. Sitting is a deadly pastime. Most probably we spend more time sitting in a day than our ancestors in a week. You sit while commuting, sit at your desk and continue sitting in front of the TV. How many hours would that make in a day? Eight or even 10 hours? Let’s stop this madness.
Go outside and walk, jump, dance or just stand and take in the wonder nature so selflessly gift us.
Get into a better mood – it is impossible not to feel more positive outlook on life when you are outside in nature! If you feel stressed, overwhelmed or suffering from negative thoughts, open the doors and step outside.
Just a 20-minute walk in a park will help you fight depression or a bad mood. Plus walking helps you think through challenges and look for solutions. Have a problem and no solution in sight? Take a walk and come back with ideas on how to remedy the situation.
It is all free! Spending time in nature, let it be a local park, your backyard or in a garden usually will not cost you anything. You don’t have to take an expensive trip to a resort or to Hawaii to enjoy the benefits of being outside.
So instead of thinking about why you cannot get out and enjoy nature… just put on those walking shoes and open the door! You will be so happy that you did!
Excellent read! I am outside any opportunity I get! I have found working in my yard to be therapy! I love that you pointed out it is free, you don’t need any pricey or fancy equipment to do any of these things!
I love this article! Being active and outdoors is my favorite thing to do but it is also essential for me personally when I am feeling negative or down. When I am at work and indoors almost all day I can feel the stress and negative energy building somedays. I always try to spend time outside after work in some way. I knew vitamin D was good for us but didn’t realize it was this good!
Having read this I thought it was rather enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this content together. I once again find myself personally spending a lot of time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worth it!
I LOVE this article and it is so true! I was in a bit of a mood today and just took my dog for a walk and came home with a fresh perspective on the day! It is amazing how much better fresh air can make you feel.
These articles are beautiful and uplifting. Vitamin D is my sanity. I can’t stay inside for too long, I go nuts. Laying in my hammock with a good book is what I consider a fabulous pastime!
I love getting outside, especially for practicing yoga. For those that have never tried yoga outside, it’s a must. It’s a different experience than being in a studio.
This best time of the day to walk is early in the morning. I have learned to wear something that can be worn at night to sleep in, and then get up, wash up, hair up, then go.
Thirty minutes every spring, summer and fall mornings. It also helps to have a four legged companion that looks forward to this time of day.
I am still working on the winter walks, I cannot wrap up enough to make it a viable and soul quenching endeavor, not even the dog finds St Louis winters to be conducive to commune with nature.
But yes, a walk outdoors beat the treadmill in the basement.
Going outside is the best way to start my day. I live in Madison, Wisconsin. There is a small peninsula called Picnic point. I get up every morning park my car far from the entrance to the point, the farther I park the longer my walk 😉
I have noticed that getting out there at 5am is the most beautiful time. I get to experience things that I never could dream of, about three weeks ago I saw a sunrise that was amazing- literally looked like a fire ball was being lifted from the edge of the water and pulled up into the sky. It was breath taking!
Getting outside is such a healthy and fun addition to the day. It’s a great thing to do no matter your age. It’s beneficial for kids and old folks and everyone in between. Try a walk without your phone in hand.
Being outside absorbing the sun is one of my favorite things to do! Sometimes when we are trapped in our houses or offices, we become consumed by our stresses and inner thoughts. Whenever I’m outside and aware of how large the world actually is though, it puts me at ease.