Why You Should Get Outdoors More Often

Being outdoors has many physical and mental benefits that may surprise you. Whether you are walking outdoors, being at one with nature or just soaking up a different environment, being outdoors can be good for you and we should all aim to get outdoors more often. Let's have a look at the reasons why you should get outdoors and the benefits being outdoors has to each and every one of us.

1. Being outdoors boosts your immune system 

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Being outdoors means you are absorbing Vitamin D from the sun. Vitamin D is a 'feel-good vitamin', it helps us absorb calcium and keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. It also helps maintain a healthy immune system which is very important with the pandemic at the moment, helping you fight off illnesses.

2. It can help prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD

SAD can happen in the winter with low sunlight levels and shorter days and can cause anxiety, depression and lethargy. Getting outdoors can help with SAD even if the weather is overcast. Sunlight increases the amount of serontoin in the body that can affect your mood, appetite and sleep, making your feel happier and better rested. So get outdoors if you want to help prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder. 

3. Immersion in nature is good for you

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A growing body of research has shown that immersion in nature is good for your health. One study of over 20,000 people by the University of Exeter found that people who spend over 2 hours a week in green spaces were much more likely to report good physical and mental health over those that don't.  Being surrounded by greenery can also make you feel more connected with nature and the environment and make you feel calmer and less stressed, and we all want that, don't we?

4. It can help you sleep

It really isn't in your imagination, being outdoors can really help you sleep.  Natural light can help regulate your circadian rhythm, whilst exercising outdoors is always a good thing, and it doesn't have to be running a marathon! Even brisk walking will benefit your sleep pattern, get your heart rate working and help improve your sleep. 

5. The outdoors enhances creativity

Past research shows that being in nature helps concentration, and the sights and sounds of nature can inspire creativity. Researches found that backpackers scored 50 per cent better on a creativity test when they spent 4 days in nature disconnected from electronic devices. Forest Schools which are woodland based schools capitalise on this by learner-led exploration and discovery in an educational setting. 

As you can see there are plenty of reasons why you should get outdoors more often. There are some beautiful places to live in the world and living in an area of outstanding beauty does help you appreciate the outdoors more.  Why not look for real estate for sale in Whistler, Banff or near one of the national parks in the USA or Canada or an area of Oustanding National Beauty in the UK so you are living close to nature. 
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