5 Reasons to Get Outside
After the events of the pandemic and the rise of screen time and social media consumption, we are spending less and less time in the great outdoors. It’s unfortunate that we don’t spend as much time in nature, as being outside has so many health-boosting benefits. If you are looking for a reason to plan your next adventure but are having a hard time pulling yourself away from your computer and phone, take a look below to see some of the benefits of getting outside.
1. Relieves Stress
Being out in nature can be a huge stress reliever. Looking at natural beauty and getting to walk around often helps lower blood pressure. Lowering your blood pressure can help with stress by easing the physical symptoms, but being outside can also reduce stress-related hormones. Studies have shown that spending just 20 minutes in nature is associated with the biggest drop in cortisol levels. That also relates to why office workers with windows and access to look outdoors are usually more satisfied and less stressed at work than those with no windows. Next time you are feeling overwhelmed and nothing seems to be helping, take a step outside and find a nice spot in the shade. Take a few deep breaths and look for something in nature that pleases you. Doing this for about 20 minutes can improve your stress level for a few days.
2. Strengthens Immunity
It should come as no surprise to anyone that our immune system tends to suffer when we spend too much time inside. The immune system works best when it is challenged regularly. The best way to challenge your immune system is to get outside and expose it to nature. People who spend a good amount of quality time outdoors experience fewer sleep difficulties, have fewer aches and pains, and have overall more mobility than people who are consistently inside. Vitamin D is vital to our mood and our immunity and spending time in the sun exposes us to more vitamin D. Some studies have even shown that hiking outdoors can increase white blood cells and that that increase remains for several weeks.
3. Sharpens Your Focus
If you’re looking to sharpen your focus, the best place to start is outside! Attention is enhanced when we are exposed to natural environments. Spending several days outdoors can boost creative problem-solving and cognitive function. This is why so many people go on wilderness retreats to clear their minds and help them redirect their focus. Spending time in nature has even been shown to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. This brings us back to why it is so beneficial for offices to provide window access to their workers. Having a view of nature improves a worker’s focus and productivity benefitting not only the individual but the company.
4. Calms the Mind
Participating in regular exercise can be just as important in coping with mental illness as therapy and medication. Getting outside to complete that exercise can help ease the emotional and mental pain. Exposure to natural sunlight makes the task of working out more enjoyable and provides a change of scenery more often. When you are in nature your body slows down and helps create that feeling of peace and calm. The mind works very similarly, relieving feelings of stress and anxiety.
5. Improves Mood
Feelings of anxiety, anger, and depression decrease when people spend time outdoors. Being in nature allows the mind to break free from normal stressors and tasks that are mentally draining. “Nature deprivation” is a term meaning a lack of time in the natural world, largely due to hours spent in front of screens. It has been associated, unsurprisingly, with depression. Studies have associated screen time with a loss of empathy and a lack of altruism. Overall, getting outside just makes us happier people and allows us to continue feeling more at ease even after returning to our indoor life.
If you’re looking for ways to get outdoors in Houston, take a look at these guides to see which activity would be fun for you!
