We are increasingly turning into an indoor generation where the only time we go outdoors is on the way to work or school. But did you know that spending time outdoors has immense health benefits? If you are curious about those health benefits, keep reading! Below, we cover seven of the most notable benefits of going outdoors.
1. Improves Mental Health
An unpleasant indoor environment can cause you to feel anxious, depressed, or helpless. A pleasing outdoor environment can be the solution. Being exposed to flowers, trees and animals can change your mood and the way your nervous and endocrine systems are working. So, exposure to nature improves mental health by reducing stress and increasing pleasant feelings.
2. Helps Get Vitamin D
Getting enough vitamin D is crucial for the development of bones and the immune system. Your body needs ultraviolet rays from the sun to produce vitamin D. Therefore, spending time outdoors is a natural way to get the proper amount of Vitamin D.
3. Increases Physical Activity
If we stay indoors, we spent hours in front of the TV or computer screens which leads to health-related problems such as obesity, depression, and sleeping disorders. When we spend time outdoors, we are likely to be moving and burning calories. Physical activity in turn reduces the risk of disease, strengthens bones, and improves the ability to do everyday activities.
4. Helps Us Sleep Better
Being outdoors exposes us to natural sunlight, which helps to regulate our internal clock. The internal clock sets the sleep cycle telling the body when it is day and when it is night. Also, natural elements have soothing effects that allows us to sleep better.
5. Enhances Creativity
Spending time outdoors can make us more creative through increased focus, positive thinking, and inspiration. Firstly, time spent looking at nature increases concentration. Secondly, natural exposure makes us feel more positive, as the outdoors helps boost emotions such as joy, wonder, and connection. Lastly, looking at nature, and listening to natural sounds enhance our imagination and inspire us.
6. Increases Social Interaction
Today we spend most of our time on phones and do not really know the people around us. Spending time outdoors is a great way to connect with other people in your community. Social interaction is important for personal development and mental health. Walking in the park with friends, meeting new people outdoors, and group camping are all small things that make us feel better. In addition, better social interaction with neighbors means unity, more support for each other, and lower levels of crime.
7. Boosts the Immune System
Nature is beneficial for the immune system as plants produce phytoncide. More specifically, breathing in phytoncides increases white blood cell levels and boosts the immune system against various infections. Sun exposure also strengthens T cells that protect us from infections and diseases.