Okay, We’ve all Heard it Gere by Either our Parents, Grandparents or Paternal Figure in our Lives. “Go outside!” They Would Yell at Us. But the Thing is that Going outside Did and Still Comes with Surprising Both Mental and Physical Benefits

The health and wellness benefits of going outside are numerous and well-documented. You can even go back in time to ancient times as our ancestors were mainly outside as hunters and gatherers. From improved mental health to physical fitness, spending time in nature can have a positive impact on our well-being. Here, we will explore some of the benefits of going outdoors and provide some of those mentioned benefits for going outside and some ideas on what you can do outside. Also, an apology to all of those Moms we refused to listen to when we were kids, sorry Mom!

Going Outside and Staving off Going Stir Crazy

One of the most significant benefits of spending time outdoors is the positive effect it has on mental health. Being outside in nature can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. 

There is something within us, something like a clock or trigger that always wants us to be both social and go outside. Why? Because our bodies, even though many introverts would disagree, know what’s best for us. When indoors for too long, many of us have felt that suffocating drowning feeling of seeing the insides of our homes day in and day out. That feeling has many names but the two most common terms are stir crazy and camp fever but they mean the same thing.

Bouts of stir-crazy affect many people in the US daily and this research from the National Library of Medicine doesn’t paint the most optimistic light on it,

Across studies in which several possible confounds were statistically controlled for, the weighted average effect sizes were as follows: social isolation odds ratio (OR) = 1.29, loneliness OR = 1.26, and living alone OR = 1.32, corresponding to an average of 29%, 26%, and 32% increased likelihood of mortality, respectively.

This means that either through depression or slowly a bad lifestyle sponsored by that depression, life expectancy takes a big hit for lonely people. While online chats and video calls can certainly mitigate this, the best natural remedy is to actually go out and enjoy the natural beauty

Catching Up on All the Times You Took a Rain Check on the Sun

Exposure to sunlight can also increase the production of serotonin, a hormone that regulates mood, and melatonin, which helps regulate sleep. Moreover, spending time outdoors has been shown to improve cognitive function, creativity, and overall mood.

We all heard it before but the sun isn’t all bad and sunlight doesn’t necessarily have to be an evil to avoid. Many of us have been warned about the sun in fear of being sun burnt and that too much creates skin cancer. However, not all of the sun’s rays are created equal.

This post from Econscious Living puts it quite nicely,

Whilst we only ever seem to hear about the importance of Vitamin D which is made by UVB, morning sun is actually incredibly important because it’s saturated in infrared and blue light. There is no UV light first thing in the morning – neither UVA or UVB. Sunlight is 42% infrared light. It’s important.

In the US about 40% of adults, 50% of toddlers, and 70% of children have a vitamin D deficiency. Seeing how the Sun is a big source of Vitamin D and seeing how many have low vitamin D stores, going outside is extremely important. Also, there’s more of an incentive on going outside in the very early morning for that pure Sunlight.

You will be Excessing too as that Everything you do will Have the Body Moving

In addition to the mental health benefits, spending time outdoors can also have physical health benefits. For example, walking or hiking can improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and increase bone density. Outdoor activities such as gardening or yard work can also provide a low-impact workout that can improve flexibility, balance, and coordination.

Which any physical activity is quite vital since according to Forbes, only 28% of Americans follow the CDC guidelines for acceptable exercise. Even if it’s just a simple walk then that will be enough.

To Recap on the Many Benefits of Going Outside:

Improved immune function: Exposure to natural elements, such as sunlight and fresh air, has been shown to boost the immune system. This is because being outdoors can increase the production of white blood cells, which help fight off infection and disease.

Lowered blood pressure: Spending time outdoors can help lower blood pressure, which is beneficial for those with hypertension. This is because being in nature has a calming effect on the body, reducing stress and anxiety.

Going outside in nature especially when it just rained is a good source of negative Ions. It’s essentially electronically charged particles that support the body’s function correctly.

Increased vitamin D: Exposure to sunlight is necessary for the body to produce vitamin D, which is essential for strong bones, immune function, and mental health. Spending time outdoors is a great way to get the recommended daily dose of vitamin D.

Improved sleep: Exposure to natural light and fresh air can help regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, leading to better quality sleep. Additionally, outdoor exercise can help tire out the body, making it easier to fall asleep at night.

Increased social connection: Many outdoor activities, such as group hikes or team sports, provide opportunities to connect with others and build social connections. This can have a positive impact on mental health and overall well-being.

So, what can you do Outdoors? The Options are Endless. Here are a Few Ideas:

1. Take a hike: Find a local hiking trail and spend a few hours exploring nature. This is a great way to get exercise, enjoy some fresh air, and disconnect from technology.
2. Go for a bike ride: Whether it’s a leisurely ride around your neighborhood or a more challenging route, cycling is a great way to get outside and get some exercise.
3. Take a yoga class: Many parks offer outdoor yoga classes, which can provide a peaceful, relaxing way to connect with nature while also getting some exercise.
4. Go for a swim: If you’re near a body of water, take a dip! Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise that can help improve cardiovascular health. Not only that but it’s one of the few exercises where you work out your whole muscle group and body.
5. Try geocaching: For the Goal oriented people looking to complete something, geocaching is a fun, a real-world treasure hunt that can take you to new places and help you discover hidden gems in your local area.

To sum it all up, spending time outdoors can provide numerous health and wellness benefits, from improved mental health to physical fitness. Whether you prefer hiking, biking, yoga, swimming, or geocaching, there are endless ways to enjoy the great outdoors and any physical activity. So, the next time you’re feeling stressed or in need of some fresh air, head outside and explore the beauty of nature. Remember, one of the best steps you can take is one that is going outside the door.