Why being outside is good for your health

Spending time outside can do wonders for your health and wellbeing. Whether you live in an urban or rural area, there is no denying that nature has a calming effect on the mind and body. Yet, we’re often all too busy to do something about it. We seem to have work and life and everything else in between to focus on. So nature has to wait. But what if getting outside more could be the answer to your problem? If you’re looking for ways to improve your overall health, getting outdoors could be the perfect solution. Here’s why being outside is good for your health.

Better Air Quality

Spending time outdoors can provide you with an influx of fresh air, which is especially beneficial if you live in a city where air pollution is common. In fact, studies have shown that spending time outdoors can reduce stress and anxiety levels due to the increased amount of oxygen that comes with outdoor activities such as hiking or running. The fresh air helps you breathe easier and clearer while also providing you with much-needed vitamin D from the sun’s rays.

Enhanced Mental Health

The hustle and bustle of everyday life can take a toll on our mental state. Too often, we forget to step away from all the chaos and find moments of solace in nature—but it’s these moments of peace that can make all the difference in our overall mental wellbeing. Spending more time outdoors allows us to focus on ourselves instead of our daily stressors. It gives us a chance to practice mindfulness and enjoy all the beauty nature has to offer. The natural elements found outdoors are known to boost our moods, helping us feel happier and more relaxed after every outing.

Physical Activity

Getting outside provides easy opportunities for physical activity, since most outdoor activities require some level of movement or exertion. Think walking through a park, taking a hike up a mountain, exploring outdoor gyms, doing yoga at the beach, and so on. Moving your body helps increase blood flow throughout your system while working out muscles you didn’t even know existed. Exercise releases endorphins in our brains, which help us feel energized, productive, and positive—all important factors when it comes to maintaining good physical health. Even just 30 minutes spent outdoors can make a significant difference in how we feel afterward.

Enjoying More Time Outdoors

All in all, spending more time outside is not only beneficial, but necessary for both physical and mental wellbeing. It allows us to expand our horizons while connecting with nature in ways we may not have thought possible before. Whether you go camping over the weekend or take regular walks around your neighborhood parks, it all counts. It doesn’t have to be extensive, but just allowing yourself to spend some time in nature and being in the sunshine can be so beneficial for your mind and body. So get out there — your health will thank you later.

Photo by Ben Dumond