Autumn is just around the corner, and this is the best time to be outside, enjoying what nature has to offer. You can do so by going camping or hiking, biking, swimming, running or even walking with the family pet at the park. 30th September will be National Get Outside Day, and below are five reasons for spending the time enjoying the great outdoors when the day comes (and beyond), whether that’s a short walk or a coach day trips from Surrey to the countryside.
1. Promotes Mental Health
According to the findings of research by Stanford University, people that walk for about an hour or more in nature have less activity in the area of their brains that is linked with depression. Given the rise in mental health cases, this can be a natural answer that will come at no extra costs.
On the other hand, a university in Japan found that Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing) had a significant impact on mental health. According to these studies on forest bathing, they believe that this can be attributed to the fact that humans evolved in nature. Shinrin-Yoku does not necessarily mean that you take a bath in the forest but that you can bath in is awe as you sit, walk or lay there taking in the peace and serenity of the surroundings.
2. Sharpens Your Focus
Exposure to natural environments can help in boosting your focus and being able to solve problems. Such a thing can be evidenced by how taking breaks from work to step outside for a few minutes can increase concentration, thereby productivity of employees. The same effect is also seen in children when they take a break from classwork to enjoy nearly half an hour of play and fun outside in nature, and how this elevates their attention.
3. Vitamin D Production
The sun is a natural, eternal source of Vitamin D. As such, being outside and exposing yourself to some sunshine will support the vitamin D count in your body. The body will rely on the sun to synthesise this vitamin, which is essential for having healthy skin, and tissues as well as the production of insulin. Vitamin D also is vital for lung and cardiovascular health and function. Therefore, spend some time in the great outdoors as you enjoy natures and let your body taking in some sunshine before winter arrives.
4. Physical Health
It is possible to promote better physical health if you spent your time outside taking part in different activities. Indoor activities, such as doing yoga and hitting the gym, are also an essential part of being physically healthy. However, the benefits of working out outside in natural surroundings are more profound. For instance, studies show that running outside is more energy demanding than doing the same on a treadmill. Moreover, the movement of specific muscles cannot be replicated when running on a treadmill.
5. Breathing
“Go outside, the fresh air will do you some good,” this is a statement that is not new to many of us. Ideally, it is a remark that is worth its weight in gold. Trees are the natural air purification forces that turn it healthier for us to breathe. Without trees, we would not have enough oxygen that we need; and this gas also energises us. Therefore, find time in your schedule to walk in the outdoors and take in the fresh air.
The reasons stated above should be enough to convince you that you need to spend more time outside before autumn comes to a close. You can make it some personal time or have the company of your friend, family, or pet. If you are thinking of how you will spend your weekends, now you know what you do. You can have various things that you can do that will ensure all your weekends are covered. You will always have unrestricted access to the great outdoors irrespective of where you are; therefore, make the most of what mother nature has to offer before the weather changes, and you find yourself spending most your time indoors trying to stay warm.
Leave a Reply