Did you know that 9 in 10 people spend approximately 22 hours per day indoors? This is worrying in light of the studies which prove just how beneficial spending time in the great outdoors can be – especially when it comes to your mental and physical health. However, when you’re stuck in the workplace for the majority of the week, it may mean making crucial time before or after your shift to get out in nature.
Can you imagine every day surrounded by fresh air, trees, flowers and wildlife – what more could you ask for?
This guide will provide an interesting list of some of the biggest benefits that spending time outside can offer you.
More exercise
One of the most obvious pointers is that while outside, you’ll be exercising more than when you’re indoors. While cooped up in the office or in our bedroom, you’ll hardly move around, which can affect your joints, muscle strength and cardiovascular health. It is reported by healthcare professionals that adults should be getting a minimum of 150 minutes of exercise per week to stay in good health. If you’re getting far less than that, it may be time you made some serious changes to your lifestyle.
Improves mood
Studies suggest that being outdoors can have significant impacts on our mood. When we’re exposed to natural light, the body creates more vitamin D and serotonin, which are key to the mood-boosting process. This is the reason why many people suffer with low mood during the wintertime, and due to the lack of sunlight purchase a UV lamp to refrain from suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Being surrounded by nature and not confined to four walls has also been shown to reduce anxiety and stress which can make you feel more content and relaxed.
Improves focus
Struggling to retain information after studying for an exam? Or perhaps you simply don’t have the motivation to complete tasks? Getting outside is a proven way to help improve your focus. When you’re feeling mentally drained, getting outside can take your mind off whatever is bugging you and give you some headspace to regain your thoughts. You could even make the most of the time by carrying out garden maintenance, such as cleaning your pond with specialised products from water-garden.co.uk. This will help you achieve two goals: improving your focus and getting some jobs done.
Improves sleep
Do you struggle to get a good night’s sleep each night? There is evidence to suggest that getting outdoors as much as you can actually improve your sleep quality. The exposure to sunlight regulates your body’s internal clock, which helps you fall asleep and wake up at appropriate times. Alongside this, you may also wish to consider carrying out a bedtime routine that gets you into a relaxed state, which should also contribute to better sleep patterns.
If you don’t consider yourself much of an ‘outdoorsy’ person, this blog may surprise you with some of the benefits that spending time outside can offer in terms of your health and wellbeing.