THE GREAT OUTDOORS: NATURE’S PRESCRIPTION FOR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS

Spending time outside can do wonders for your mental and physical health. Whether you’re taking a hike through the woods, going for a bike ride, or simply enjoying a picnic in the park, being outside can boost your mood, increase your energy, and improve your overall well-being. With warmer weather right around the corner, now is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors!

Health Benefits of Being Outdoors

You don’t need to do strenuous exercise to benefit from spending time outside. Simply being in nature, breathing in fresh air, and enjoying the surroundings can have positive impacts on both your physical and mental health. Here are just a few of the many benefits:

  • Reduce stress and anxiety: Spending time in nature has been shown to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
  • Improve your mood: Being outside can increase levels of the “feel-good” neurotransmitter serotonin, which can improve your mood and sense of well-being.
  • Boost creativity: Studies have shown that spending time in nature can improve creativity and problem-solving skills.
  • Strengthen immune function: Spending time in nature can increase levels of natural killer cells, which are a key component of the immune system.
  • Get your daily vitamin D: Exposure to sunlight can help your body produce vitamin D, which is essential for strong bones and overall health.

Ways to Get Outside More

  • Take a walk in a new neighborhood: Visit a new park or outdoor shopping center. Take in the new sites and maybe do some shopping!
  • Explore your city: Go mini golfing, fruit picking, or visit a farmer’s market or flower festival and immerse yourself in your community.
  • Go for a bike ride: Try running an errand on your bike or hit the bike path and enjoy the fresh air and exercise.
  • Eat al fresco: Have a picnic in the park, enjoy a snack in your backyard, or barbeque with friends to soak up the sun while nourishing your body.
  • Bring the indoors outside: Grab a good book, art supplies, or your yoga mat and head outside for some rest and relaxation.
  • Try a new outdoor activity: Whether it’s birdwatching or container gardening on your balcony, trying something new can be a fun and exciting way to get outside and stay active.
  • Stop to smell the flowers: Take time to appreciate your local flora by visiting an arboretum, garden, or nearby nursery.
  • Make it a family affair: Grab the whole family and get your dose of the outdoors at a petting zoo, playground, kid-friendly bike park, or spray park.

Spending time outside is a great way to enjoy nature and improve your overall well-being, but it’s important to take precautions to avoid injury and stay safe. Stay comfortable in the outdoors by dressing appropriately for the activity and weather conditions. And remember to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially on hot days when dehydration can sneak up on you quickly. Finally, protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. By taking these simple steps, you can enjoy your time outside while staying safe and healthy.

Sources: usda.gov, healthline.com, tripoutside.com, cdc.gov