In the modern world, we live in, it’s easier than ever to spend more and more time inside. Sitting in front of giant screens that have a never-ending supply of entertainment options doesn’t exactly encourage people to spend more time outside. While modern technology has benefited all of our lives in countless ways, there are plenty of people out there that would argue that it is destroying our connection with the outside world. There is a lot to be gained from spending more time outdoors, including improving your overall health and wellbeing.
Being outdoors has been shown to lower your blood pressure, reduce stress and help you to feel more relaxed. It has also been closely linked with boosts in mood improvements in mental health and people being happier and more content in their day-to-day lives. Spending more time in the outdoors is always easier with the right gear, however, you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy more time outside. There are plenty of affordable summer hiking boots you can choose from, effective rain and wind-proof clothing is cheaper than ever before and sunscreen certainly doesn’t cost the earth. With a few key essentials, you can spend more time outside doing the things that you love and start making positive changes to your general wellbeing as a result.
Let’s take a look at just a few ways that getting outdoors more often can significantly improve your well-being moving forward.
Reduce Stress And Lower Blood Pressure
Spending more time outdoors can greatly reduce stress levels and lower your blood pressure. Moving more in the outdoors minimizes the production of cortisol and adrenaline, which can increase your blood pressure and lead to more stress. Feeling more relaxed and at ease can have a positive impact on both your mental and physical health in the short and long term.
Time Outdoors Boosts Your Mood
Being in nature more often has been proven to have a positive impact on our overall mood. Spending more time outdoors leads to people being less anxious, happier and boosts your overall mood having a positive impact on your overall wellbeing. Venturing in the outdoors more often promotes the production of serotonin and dopamine, leading to you being happier and healthier.
Being Outside Improves Focus
If you have difficulty focusing, spending more time outdoors can lead to you being able to concentrate better. Surrounding yourself with nature minimizes distractions and stimulates the brain in a positive way, allowing you to relax and feel better overall. Studies have shown that spending more time outside can even help individuals who suffer from conditions such as ADHD.
Ensure You Get More Vitamin D
Vitamin D is crucial for healthy bones and blood cells. In addition, Vitamin D also strengthens your immune system helping you to stay healthy and fight off illnesses with ease. While you can take Vitamin D supplements, the best source of Vitamin D is sunlight so it’s crucial that you get outside as often as possible. Spending a minimum of fifteen minutes outdoors two to three times per week during the summer can have a significant impact on your Vitamin D levels. However, in the winter, you might need to spend even more time outside to get the same benefits. The longer you are outside the more Vitamin D your body will absorb and the better you will feel as a result.
Become More Social Outdoors
Humans are social creatures and it’s important to spend time interacting with other people. Being cooped up indoors all day on your own can often have a negative impact on your mental health. Hanging out with your friends outdoors, taking part in outdoor activities, going hiking, or immersing yourself in nature with other people has been proven to have a positive impact on your overall wellbeing. If you are spending too much time inside, find new ways to get outside more often so you can connect with friends, family colleagues, and other people in your community which will have a positive impact on your overall wellbeing as time goes on.
Reap The Benefits Of Spending More Time In The Outdoors Going Forward
Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to sit around inside in front of the TV, computer screen or to simply mindlessly scroll through your phone. While it’s certainly important to relax from time to time, living your life in this fashion will ultimately have a negative impact on your overall physical and mental health. To improve your well-being moving forward, you need to ensure that you get outside as often as possible. Find activities you enjoy, spend time with people you like to be around and make getting outside more simple and straightforward. Following the tips outlined above, you can ensure that you spend more time outdoors and that you feel great as a result.
