7 Reasons to Spend More Time Outside

Today’s highly technological world has made many people feel the urge to simplify and reconnect with nature. Spending time outside gives us the valuable opportunity to unplug from our devices and recharge.

Time outside is often my ‘me’ time, the pocket of time in my day where I can enjoy my calm natural surroundings to unwind, relax, enjoy great music or a motivating podcast. My favourite locations are away from the sounds of cars, roads and groups of people.

I try to ensure that I spend at least 10 minutes each day outside walking between meetings. The fresh air and movement helps me to think clearly and reset during the busy day. Some of my most creative ideas, most productive planning and progress in thinking is done outside in these ‘breaks’.

Those who enjoy the many benefits of nature see why being outside is so important—it plays a role in both physical and mental health.

There are a lot of ways to reap the benefits of nature.

Here are 7 benefits of spending more time outdoors for you and your family.

1. Time outside can help relieve stress

Stress can have a detrimental effect on our mental and physical wellbeing. Stress-related conditions are linked to depression, obesity, and high blood pressure. Stress can be dangerous if not managed properly.

Taking a break from your busy schedule outside can help you cope with everyday stress and feeling overwhelmed by work or school.

Teens and adults both benefit from spending time in nature, experiencing a reduction in blood levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

This blog focuses on some of the ways that stress can affect you as well as stress management techniques.

2. Strengthen Immunity

Your immune system suffers when you stay indoors. The immune system works best if regularly challenged, which does not happen when we are confined to the house or office.

The Covid pandemic taught many people the importance of time outside and also the cleanliness of the air outside. People in many places around the world were asked to mask indoors, knowing that the germs from those passing by were higher in confined spaces found inside.

Airborne chemicals are released by plants when we are outside. This causes our bodies to produce more white blood cells which helps with our immunity.

Healthy doses of nature can enhance your body's resistance to disease. A natural boost in immunity can help you stay healthy.

I truly believe there are immense health benefits to spending time outside every day. As the saying goes, there is no bad weather, just bad clothing for the weather! Getting good quality, waterproof and windproof gear has really helped my motivation to spend time outside throughout the year.

3. Sharpen Your Focus

Studies have shown that exposure to natural environments enhances attention in the general population. Physical movement and exercise is also linked with higher focus and concentration, so imagine the benefits to walking outside in the fresh air!

Having views of nature from your office window and outdoor breaks both help to boost productivity and concentration.

4. Calm the Mind

Exercising outside can be an effective way to manage mental health. Adding time in nature to your mental health care regimen will give you peace and mental clarity.

Time outside can give similar benefits to our mind and body as time spent meditating. There are different types of rest, and each has incredible healing powers. 

Being in nature triggers several physiological responses in our bodies. Sitting outside reduces blood pressure, lowers heart rate, and decreases cortisol levels. When we are outside our body slows down, making us feel centred and relaxed.

Our minds work in the same way. Being out in nature calms and improves mood. Our improved concentration in nature can help us fight stress and anxiety, while our self-esteem can rise after time spent outside.

5. Aids in Weight Management

Often time outside includes movement; walking in a park, walking to a beautiful picnic spot, moving around to enjoy the views.

Walking is a brilliant, safe and enjoyable way to improve your health and fitness and a key component of many weight loss journeys. Find more about walking your way to health and fitness.

Choose an exercise routine that gets you outside to enjoy the beautiful views and fresh air.

For every half hour of walking around the park, you can burn 149 calories, and for every half hour of biking you can burn 372 calories. Increase your time outside walking, biking, running, and playing in order to reduce your risk of obesity.

Enjoy all of the health benefits nature has to offer outside of the gym.

6. Vitamin D

There is nothing better than feeling the warm sun on your face!

Vitamin D is important for bone health, helps prevent depression, and may even protect you from some cancers. Many people suffer from a vitamin D deficiency as getting enough vitamin D through your diet is difficult.

Benefits of vitamin D:

· Helps to maintain strong bones

· Enhances the immune system

· Helps with concentration

· Helps manage blood sugar levels

· Important for healthy teeth

Since vitamin D is derived from sunlight, spending time outside is a great way to get your daily dose.

7. Increase Longevity

Studies have shown that spending time outdoors can help to increase our lifespan.

Studies show that there is a correlation between those who lived near green spaces, such as parks and gardens, and their life expectancy.

Nature experiences are accessible to everyone and are low cost. For your next long weekend, opt for a trip to the country over the city. You will experience less stress and return feeling happier and more relaxed.