Did you know that spending time outdoors can help you reduce stress? That’s one of the benefits you can obtain by getting outside. But the good news is that lowering stress is just one of many advantages.
If you speed too much time cooped up inside, you’re not doing your overall health any good. You must get outside, move around, breathe in fresh air, and enjoy some vitamin D-imparting sunshine.
Continue reading to learn about four health benefits you’ll get by spending time in the great outdoors.
1. Physical Wellness
You should go outside more because you can achieve greater physical wellness by so doing. Don’t underestimate the benefits of being outdoors — especially in nature rather than in the concrete jungle of a major city. Being outside — surrounded by green grass, majestic trees, and abundant wildlife — will help you get better sleep, lessen stress, reduce muscle tension, and more.
Yes, you can get some benefits from being outside in a city. But immersing yourself in nature will help you rest, recharge, and rejuvenate. That’ll give you greater vitality and strength to perform your daily duties.
2. Mental Wellness
Spending time outdoors is also good for your mental health. According to statistics, 22.9% of adults in the U.S. experienced mental illness in 2021. That works out to 57.8 million people. In the same year, 5.5% of U.S. adults, or 14.1 million people, reported severe mental unwellness.
While people experiencing mental health issues should consider seeing a professional, you can also try some self-help methods, such as spending time out in nature. Doing so can recharge your mental faculties by enhancing attention and recalibrating focus. The chances are good that you’ll do your mental health a world of good if you prioritize regular outdoor time.
3. Social Wellness
Getting outside will also give you ample opportunities to meet and greet with family, friends, neighbors, and even people you don’t know. In an age when many people say they don’t know their neighbors, you can make a point of getting out and meeting members of your community.
One of the things that became apparent during the height of the COVID-related lockdowns is the importance of socializing with others. Many felt isolated because of the gathering restrictions and other measures that encouraged social distancing. Spending time with people in your neck of the woods can contribute to a sense of community.
You can go for walks, ride your bike, go camping, or even spend time on the patio deck with family, friends, and a flat top grill or BBQ grill to whip up a great meal. When the weather’s balmy during the spring and summer, there’s no need to remain cooped up inside your home.
4. Get in Shape
Another reason to spend time outdoors is that you can get in shape and stay in shape. Being active outdoors will help you burn more calories and exercise your muscles. Whether by working in the garden, mowing the lawn, walking to and from a friend’s home, biking, or doing something else, you can get the physical activity you need to achieve good health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults should strive for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity weekly and a couple of days of muscle-strengthening activity. Spending more time outdoors can help you reach that benchmark. There’s a lot more you can do outside.
These are four reasons you should try to get outside more. While going out to a more rural area is ideal, you can get many benefits right where you are. Just go outside, get active, and watch your health improve.
