It’s Summer, and it’s the right time to soak in the ample sunshine, goodness of vitamin D, and so much more. Let’s explore the benefits and various ways being outdoors can make you healthier and happier.
It’s especially a great time to head outdoors this season as California reopened on June 15, 2021.
Did you know that the average American spends almost 90% of time indoors, and the inclination to not venture outdoors increases with age?
While it’s possible to remain indoors and exercise, you miss out on the added health benefits of spending time outdoors and greening your exercise. Various research studies have proven the health benefits of spending time outdoors on your health. Here are the top benefits of being active outdoors.
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The outdoors are great for your mental health
Spending time outdoors in the company of nature has been proven to make you feel lighter, happier, and more focused. Sunlight boosts the serotonin levels in your body, which increases your energy, keeps your mind focused and your mood positive and calm.
Green exercise is excellent for improving your focus and creativity. Studies have shown that simply being outdoors improves your concentration and creative problem-solving skills. Getting outside for some fresh air can enable your brain to think in newer, more exciting thought patterns.
A 2010 study by English scientists proved the mental health benefits of being outdoors by showing how just 5 minutes of exercise outdoors improves your self-esteem and mood. It can be any form of physical activity near a body of water or an open, green space.
If you’ve been through a traumatic experience, the natural light can help you heal sooner. Looking outside your window, or better still, spending time outdoors can help you recover sooner.
Being outdoors is also an opportunity for you to make social connections. The benefits of social interactions and a sense of community are important for your mental health. You could try walking or cycling together with a friend or two.
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You’re likely to get more exercise and good sleep
Being active outdoors has the double benefit of increasing your exercise time and improving your sleep quality.
Your choice of outdoor activities that boost energy can be anything from mowing your lawn, walking, gardening, or making use of community parks, trails, and open spaces. The natural push of the wind and the uneven ground surface adds to the quality of the workout and helps you burn more calories.
Spending time outdoors is particularly beneficial for your children as they tend to play and exercise more than when they are at home leading a sedentary life and spending more time on their electronic devices. Studies have proven that children are twice as active outdoors as they are indoors.
Sunlight, especially from the early morning sun, is also beneficial for your body rhythm. Being outdoors sets your sleep cycle as the sunlight triggers the cells in your eyes to get your body’s internal clock functioning correctly. Sunlight is more vital as you age as your eyes absorb less light, and you’re likely to have trouble falling asleep. Going outdoors is more important for your sleep cycle as you grow older.
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You get a natural source of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is also known as the sunshine vitamin because your body needs sunlight to make it. Sunrays trigger the circulation process carried out by your liver and kidneys, leading to the creation of the biologically active form of vitamin D.
Several research studies have proven that vitamin D has exceptional disease-fighting powers when compared to other vitamins. It can have protective effects against a wide range of diseases from heart attacks to chronic depression. Vitamin D is essential for your bones, blood cells, and the absorption of certain minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.
Vitamin D benefits your immune system. When you go outdoors in greener spaces, plants release organic compounds known as phytoncides in the air that boost your immunity. Also, sunlight energizes the T-cells, which fight infection in your body.
Your body doesn’t require much sunlight to create vitamin D. You need around 5-15 minutes of sunlight 2-3 times a week during the summer and a bit more during the winter.
Please note that we recommend you get your source of vitamin D early in the morning before the sun’s rays become more severe. If you are at a higher risk for skin cancer or want to be on the safe side, we recommend you take vitamin D orally. It’s best to check with your primary care doctor about the best source for vitamin D and your risk for skin cancer.
Conclusion
Take the necessary precautions when you head outdoors, such as wearing a hat, long sleeves, sunglasses, and always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher, even on cloudy days. Continue to follow the latest CDC COVID-19 safety guidelines once the state reopens fully.
Finally, make it a daily habit to spend time outdoors and experience the added health benefits.
You can contact the Los Gatos Doc, primary care doctors in Los Gatos for consultation and support for Lifestyle/ Stress Management and Exercise.
(Disclaimer: We routinely draw upon public health resources to inform our write-ups. Information in this article may be drawn up from multiple public health sources, including:
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
- Medline Plus
- National Institutes of Health
- American Medical Association
- American Association of Family Physicians
- Mayo Clinic
- Family Doctor)