Why Everyone Should Spend Time Outside
As summer fades into fall, many more people will find the idea of being outside more feasible. Cooler temperatures, fall sports and pretty colors will draw them outside. But beyond the initial push for outside activity, soon most people retreat back inside, well before the winter weather comes.
There are many benefits to being outside daily, many more than most people understand. Veterans and military-connected students can benefit from daily outside time, especially when they do it with friends or family. Here are some reasons to get outside daily, and some ways to do it.
Why You Should Spend Time Outside
Increase your Vitamin D
No, you're not a plant, but you still need Vitamin D to help your body absorb minerals like calcium and phosphorus. While most people probably get the recommended 5 to 15 minutes of sunlight a few times a week in the summer, in the winter you may need to make a little more of an effort. Vitamin D can also help boost your immune system, as plants emit phytoncides into the air and sunlight can energize your T cells to help fight infection.
Lower your Anxiety
Nature, in general, can help you feel less anxious, angry or stressed. Yes, a plant or pictures of nature can do this, but going outside is even better. Sunlight helps keep your serotonin levels up which helps keep you calm, positive and focused.
Get Better Sleep
Being outside can help regulate your sleep cycle. Sunlight from the early morning tends to help people go to sleep faster at night, which can be very helpful as you age. Light, in general, helps the body's internal clock stay on track. And, as you age, your eyes are less able to absorb light, so being outside can help.
Improves Focus & Creativity
You probably know that exercise helps your focus and creativity, but it's not just exercise, it's the "green" that can help. Spending time outside can also help creativity and problem-solving. Studies show that the outside world engages your attention in a way that allows it to refocus. The more time you spend outside, the better.
Improve Your Overall Health
Spending time outside helps you stay active, which can improve your sleep. Both of those things will help with your overall health and burning more calories. Aiming for 20 to 30 minutes a day is the best way to start your outside journey.
How You Can Spend Time Outside
Spending time outside can be a solo adventure or one you take with friends and family. Either way, it's beneficial for you to do it. Human contact is important, even when engaging in outside time. Walking with friends, sitting outside at the coffee shop or even sitting at the park watching the kids play are all ways to be social and get the benefits of being outside.
Forest Bathing
No, don't think you can go swimming in the forest, but you can spend time in the forest to help improve physical and mental health. Called Shinrin Yoku by the Japanese, it helps boost your energy and immune system. It also helps you recover faster if you are sick.
Eat Meals Outside
You don’t have to be active all the time you are outside, you can sit at a picnic table and read a book, eat lunch with friends outside or even sit outside and drink your coffee in the morning. Spending some time outside resting and enjoying the weather is a great way to reap the benefits of being outside.
Start a Garden
A garden is a great way to spend time outside, work together as a family and improve your lifestyle. You can grow vegetables, learning about what grows when and how. You could also grow some flowers to help your mood when you look out the window. It’s a good family or team project, one that can lift your spirits.
Exercise Outside
While harder in the hot, summer months -- or the dark, cold winter mornings -- taking your workout outside is a great idea. It doesn’t have to be intense or require a lot of equipment, you can walk the neighborhood or a local park. A change of scenery and the fresh air will boost your spirits.
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