RazzWorks

I don’t know about you but I enjoy going outside! That’s enough to get me out my back door a few times every day. But what does going outside do for me? I know it’s good for me, so I searched and found out what really happens to us when we get outside into the fresh air. Here are some of the important ones.

1. You get a boost of vitamin D

We need vitamin D so our body can absorb calcium. We need calcium to have strong healthy bones. Vitamin D is also an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant so it’s good for our brain and muscles among many other functions of the body. So getting your daily dose of D is important and it’s so easy. Just 5-10 minutes a few times a week is enough.

2. You get exercise outdoors

You don’t need to go to a gym to exercise. Just step outside and go for a walk. Many parks now have various types of equipment for exercising from simple chin-up bars to outdoor stationary bicycles. What about a rock-climbing wall? They look like fun if you are physically able to do such an activity. There are so many ways to exercise outdoors that I couldn’t possibly list them here but you get the idea. Right?

3. Your mood will improve

Getting outside into nature has been shown to relieve anxiety and depression especially if you go where there is greenery, like in the woods. If you can find a brook or river to walk beside that’s even better. Your mood will improve and you’ll feel an increase in your self-esteem as well.
Being out in nature is so healing, even in the winter. It can help prevent or lessen the effects of Seasonal Affect Disorder or the winter blues. The days may be shorter but if you go out in the sunshine it can help.

4. Free Aromatherapy

I love the smell of fresh-cut grass! Going outside in nature provides us with so many wonderful smells. Pine and spruce trees, the ocean, roses, and a multitude of flowers have amazing smells. These outdoor smells have been proven to make us feel happier and more relaxed.

5. Good for your eyes

If you have children now is the time to start encouraging them to play outside. Studies show that playing outside during childhood may help to prevent near-sightedness in adulthood. Isn’t that amazing and simple! So many people are nearsighted, myself included, though I do think I spent a lot of time outdoors when I was a kid. More time out in the fresh air and nature sure can’t hurt!

6. Lowers your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is not uncommon and not good news but something as easy as going outside could help. Keeping your blood pressure in the normal range is important as it can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Just a few minutes a day in the sunshine and fresh air can lower your blood pressure and walking while you’re out there will help even more.

7. Improves your sleep

Anyone with children can confirm that being outside in the fresh air helps a person sleep. My children always slept better after a nice day outside. As you get older your eyes don’t absorb light as well so you might not sleep as well. Your eyes need light during the day to help keep your internal clock working properly. Getting out in the bright morning sun seems to be the best.

I know I said I had 7 reasons why you should go outside but this last one was too good to leave out. Consider it a bonus:

Better Focus/Concentration

I think most of us would like to be able to focus and concentrate better. So go outside and take a walk somewhere green. If you can’t go to the woods maybe there’s a nice green space or park in your town/city. It doesn’t matter as long as it’s green. For some reason walking around in a city or town doesn’t work the same. Being in nature just naturally makes us feel better. It clears our minds and helps us remember the important stuff like family and friends. And apparently fresh air and sunshine improve our ability to focus and concentrate and also brings out our creativity.

Do you need any more convincing? I know I’ve been making a few trips outside every day that it’s nice lately. I can’t walk far but I go out and sit on the deck overlooking the backyard. We get lots of birds and even have squirrels, chipmunks, and raccoons living nearby. I love sitting out early in the day when the birds are all singing. It’s a beautiful way to start the day. I hope you will find a way to get out into nature more too. Leave me a comment and let me know what your favorite outdoor activity is.

Roze