The Lockdowns are Over! Make Sure You Go Outside & Touch Grass

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We often hear the phrase, “Go outside and get some fresh air,” but have we ever stopped to think about why it’s such common advice? The benefits of spending time outside are numerous, and research has shown that going outside regularly can improve our mental and physical health. In this blog post, we’ll explore why going outside regularly makes you feel better and provide examples of how you can incorporate more outdoor time into your life.

Physical Health Benefits:

Let’s start with the physical health benefits of spending time outside. One of the most obvious benefits is that it allows us to get some exercise. Whether you’re taking a brisk walk or going for a jog, spending time outside can help you burn calories, build strength, and improve your overall fitness level. It’s a great way to get your body moving and increase your energy levels.

Another benefit of spending time outside is that it can help you get some Vitamin D. Our bodies produce Vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sunlight, and this vitamin is essential for our bone health. It also plays a role in our immune system function and can help prevent certain types of cancer. Just be sure to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Spending time outside can also help you improve your sleep. Research has shown that exposure to natural light can help regulate our body’s internal clock, which can improve our sleep quality. Additionally, getting some fresh air and physical activity during the day can help us feel more tired at night, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Mental Health Benefits:

While the physical health benefits of spending time outside are significant, the mental health benefits may be even more important. Research has shown that spending time in nature can have a positive impact on our mental health and well-being.

One of the main mental health benefits of spending time outside is that it can help reduce stress. The sights, sounds, and smells of nature can have a calming effect on our minds, and spending time outside can help us feel more relaxed and at ease. Additionally, physical activity has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, so combining exercise with time outside can be especially beneficial.

Spending time outside can also help improve our mood. Research has shown that exposure to nature can increase feelings of happiness and well-being. Additionally, spending time outside can help us feel more connected to the world around us, which can improve our overall sense of purpose and meaning in life.

Examples of How to Incorporate More Outdoor Time:

Now that we’ve explored some of the benefits of spending time outside, let’s talk about how you can incorporate more outdoor time into your life. Here are some examples:

Take a walk outside: Whether you’re taking a stroll through your neighborhood or going for a hike in the woods, walking outside is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise. Try to make it a daily habit, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Eat outside: Instead of eating lunch at your desk or in the break room, try eating outside. Find a quiet spot outside to enjoy your meal and take in the sights and sounds around you.
Exercise outside: If you’re used to exercising indoors, try taking your workout outside. Go for a run, do some yoga in the park, or try a new outdoor sport like kayaking or rock climbing.
Garden: Gardening is a great way to spend time outside and connect with nature. Whether you have a big backyard or just a small balcony, there are plenty of ways to start a garden and enjoy the benefits of growing your own plants.
Take up a nature hobby: Whether it’s birdwatching, photography, or painting, taking up a nature-related hobby can help you appreciate the beauty of the natural world and spend more time outside

Have a picnic: Pack a blanket and some food and head to your local park for a picnic. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors with friends or family, and you can take advantage of the beautiful scenery around you.
Walk or bike to work: If you live close enough to your workplace, consider walking or biking instead of driving. It’s a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, and you’ll arrive at work feeling energized and ready to take on the day.
Take your work outside: If you work from home, consider taking your laptop outside and working from a nearby park or coffee shop with outdoor seating. You’ll get some fresh air and a change of scenery, which can help improve your focus and productivity.
Plan outdoor activities with friends: Instead of meeting up for drinks or dinner, plan an outdoor activity with your friends. Go for a hike, have a beach day, or try a new outdoor adventure together.
Volunteer for outdoor projects: Consider volunteering for local outdoor projects like park cleanups or tree plantings. It’s a great way to give back to your community and spend time outside in the process.

Going outside regularly has numerous benefits for our physical and mental health, and incorporating more outdoor time into our lives can improve our overall well-being. Whether it’s taking a walk outside, eating lunch in a park, or trying a new outdoor activity, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the benefits of spending time outside. So, next time someone tells you to “go outside and get some fresh air,” take their advice and enjoy the many benefits of nature.

Here are some links about going outside and touching grass… lol: