If you were a child in the 80s or early 90s then no doubt you remember your mom or dad telling you that you should go and play outside. The summer months were my favorite time to be outside. While they were probably only after a bit of peace and quiet and a child-free home for an afternoon, if the weather was nice there’s a good chance your parents’ suggestion had a positive effect on your mental health.
As you’ve gotten older, work can take over, and you may have found yourself stuck in an office chair with your eyes glued to a laptop screen for eight hours a day. This is not conducive to our mental well being, and we need to be more proactive in seeking out opportunities to get outside. Here are a few benefits of the outdoors on your mental health.
Natural Light
While it may sound a little odd, being outside in natural light can work wonders for both our mental and physical health. The UVB rays from the sun enable our bodies to make much-needed Vitamin D to help regulate calcium within our bloodstream. This is vital for healthy bones health. Natural light also helps regulate our body clock and can enable us to sleep better, feel more alert and lift our mood.
Getting Outdoors
Although you may have a busy schedule and there is seemingly not enough hours in the day to complete your errands, it’s vital that you make some time for yourself. Even if this is just for half an hour a day, it’s important to find yourself outside. Take a walk, find a pleasant shady spot under a tree and read a book or take your canine pal for a jog around the park.
If you suffer from stress, don’t reach for a cigarette as you head outdoors. If you must, take a look at the vaporizers at Portable Hookahs instead. Taking time out and being outside can allow you to unwind, relax and enjoy being in nature for a little while.
Autoimmune
If you suffer from a long-term ailment or you are simply feeling under the weather, being outside can be the most effective natural way to feel better. A study recently suggested that heading to the park or woodland area can reduce inflammation leading to a lessening of symptoms of autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis and IBS. You no longer have to reach for the pills and can instead utilize a more natural course of medicine. While you might not want to banish the tablets forever, you could try and reduce your intake of them.
And Finally…
Spending time outdoors surrounded by greenery can have a tremendous impact on your health, so much so that you can increase your lifespan simply by being amongst foliage, green plants, and trees. While this may sound nonsensical, a study found a correlation between green spaces and mortality rates. Those individuals who spent more time outside enjoying nature had a 12% lower mortality rate. This is due to exposure to the outdoors reducing people’s risk of cancer, lowering blood pressure and lessening stress.
The next time you’re tempted to chill out in front of the TV in the evening, reach for your shoes and get outdoors to enjoy some natural relaxation.
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