Around 90% of people stay indoors for about 22 hours daily. The thing is, the simple act of spending time outside can help you feel better physically and mentally. Many people are unaware of how little time they spend outdoors or how this may impact their physical and emotional health.

In such a case, your health can significantly benefit from getting some fresh air, even for just a few minutes a day.

Below are just a few advantages of being outdoors.

1. It Helps Boost Your Mood

The great outdoors is good for your mood! Studies have shown that being outside lowers levels of stress, anxiety, and other things. When you are outdoors, the clean air may increase the amount of oxygen in your brain, raising your serotonin levels. This component actually puts you in a much better mood, so the quickest way to lift your spirits is to go outside!

2. It Increases the Opportunity for Physical Activity

Being outside is a great motivator to get some exercise. There are various methods to get more exercise by simply going outdoors, such as walking, hiking, or even gardening. Physical activity and exercise release endorphins, which improve your mood.

3. It Relieves Stress

Did you know that one of the world’s most stressed-out nations is America? More than 50% of Americans say they experience daily stress. But there is actually good news. It has been established that spending 20 to 30 minutes outside can lower stress, even for a brief time. It also helps lower cortisol levels, the hormone that naturally generates stress in your body.

4. It Boosts Vitamin D Production

To produce vitamin D, your body needs sunlight. Your body’s calcium and phosphate levels are controlled by this vitamin, maintaining the health of your bones, teeth, and muscles. You may acquire the vitamin D and sunshine your body needs by spending 5 to 15 minutes outside in the sun two to three times per week.

5. It Improves Your Sleep Cycle

Getting some fresh air and sunshine might do wonders for your sleep schedule. Your body maintains a circadian rhythm, or internal clock, so spending time outside during the day allows you to sleep longer and better since the sunlight regulates your internal schedule.

The thing is, your level of wellness will greatly benefit from time spent outdoors. Here are a few simple ways to spend your time whenever you need to step out for fresh air:

• Brush up on your gardening skills
• Enjoy a picnic
• Ride a bicycle
• Take a short walk

6. It Helps Your Immune System

The immune system functions better when exposed to the wilderness’ tonic of essential oils from the trees, leaves, and soil (also known as phytoncides). According to a Japanese study, people’s NK cell activity significantly increased in the week following a visit to a forest, and these beneficial effects persisted for a month after each visit. NK cells are cells that fight infections and help prevent cancer.

Conclusion

These are just a handful of the things you can do to enjoy the advantages of being outdoors. Indeed, going outside for a little while each day will help you feel better all around! So feel free to step out whenever you feel like breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the wonders that nature has to offer.

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