Benefits of The Great Outdoors
Most people when thinking about becoming healthier, they often picture nutritious foods, exercise at their local gym, and getting lots of sleep. Although those are great factors, we often forget the to envision the outdoors as a key player in our health. Spending time outside can have some profound health effects.
Thinking about how much of your time indoors is spent remaining relatively motionless, such as sitting in front of a computer or a meeting, texting on the toilet or staring at the television. Being outdoors in many ways forces you to be more active. Trails make you hike. Hills and mountains make you climb them.
Aside from nature’s beauty and the exercise that is often associated with outdoor activity, getting some fresh air and spending some time in natural light can have positive benefits. If you’re looking to improve your wellbeing by just stepping out the front door, consider these six reasons to spend more time outdoors.
It can help you de-stress
Whether you’re overloaded with work or can’t get a stressful situation off your mind, simply going outside can lower cortisol levels and reduce your anxiety. It only takes five minutes to experience the relaxing effects of nature.
It can give you energy
Going outside is a great way to fight the afternoon slump or beat fatigue. It is proven that spending time outdoors improves people’s vitality, likely because of the invigorating effects of fresh air and sunlight.
It can make working out easier
Motivating yourself to work out is sometimes the hardest part, but being outdoors can help that. It is proven people who workout outside are more likely to stick to a future routine than those who workout at the gym.
It can improve focus
Going outside can have some impactful results on your brainpower. Typically, kids who spend time in green outdoors areas report fewer symptoms of Attention-Deficit Disorder. Also, spending time outside can improve creative thinking.
It can improve your sleep
Increasing your time spent outdoors can improve the quality of sleep. In addition to increasing physical activity, going outside increases your exposure to light, which can help regulate your body’s natural circadian rhythms.
It can lower your blood pressure
People who spend more time in the forests had lower blood pressure, lower cortisol levels, and a lower pulse than individuals who spent more time indoors or in the city areas. Just being exposed to sunlight alone can help lower your risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
Health problems that the outdoors can help prevent and treat. The prevention is not limited to these few health problems. Of course, simply getting people outside won’t replace all other medical treatment and necessarily solve medical problems on its own, but it could help.
- Obesity-related problems, such as, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease
- High Blood pressure
- Depression
- Anxiety, stress and other mental health issues
- Osteoporosis
- Nearsightedness
- Dementia
- Asthma and other lung diseases
- Pain and Injuries
- Sleep Problems
- Addiction
Even if you don’t live in the midst of a lush forest, going outside for even as little as five minutes a day can help you feel healthier and happier overall.
Benefits of Hiking:
Hiking outdoors has plenty of perks, such as lovely views, fresh air, and the sounds and smells of nature. It is a powerful cardio workout that can lower your risk of heart disease, improve your blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and boost bone density since walking is a weight-bearing exercise.
Step up your hiking workout
- Start slow, short hikes is best for beginners and gradually work up to trails with hills or uneven terrain.
- Using poles can push your upper body muscles, digging into the ground and propelling yourself forward gives you a stronger cardio workout.
- Even a small hill will intensify your heart rate and burn extra calories.
- Uneven terrain can work muscles while improving balance and stability.
- Stock your day back with extra weight, this is not limited to weights, but water is a good alternative. It can increase the strength in your lower back muscles.
- Getting into a groove or routine will keep your hiking skills and fitness level on the track. On the days you can’t make it to the trails try power-walking on a hilly terrain.
Benefits of Biking:
You don’t need to log thousands of miles to gain rewards from riding your bike more and driving your car less. Whether it is a bike your have had sitting in your storage unit or a brand new one, bike riding gives you a terrific workout with lots of interest and fun to keep you going. Biking will save you money on gasoline and add to your fitness level. Make sure to follow these safety tips:
- Wear a bicycle helmet on every ride, no matter how short
- Be visible
- Choose your travel time carefully
- Obey traffic rules
- Wear shoes that protect your feet (no sandals)
- Carry repair gear and a cell phone to call if in need of help
Benfits of Running:
Half an hour may not seem like enough time to train, but a 30-minutes window is all you need to get the recommended workout and benefit from it. It is one of the best types of exercise and is excellent for your health. It provides a great cardiovascular workout, and it also strengthens your muscles. Some people believe that we are born to run, and it is one of the most natural forms of exercise.
- Save money
- Live longer
- Eat more carbohydrates
- Meeting people
- Makes your bones stronger
- Burn calories
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