We all grew up with our parents telling us to go outside and get some sunshine every now and again, convinced that getting out of the house for a while was good for us.
And while we often complained and tried to argue with them, they actually had a good point.
Being outdoors is extremely beneficial to both our mental and physical health, and is one of the most recommended ways of reducing stress and depression. Find out what else the outdoors can do for us.
Boosting Energy Levels
Most working professionals tend to live on coffee to get that extra boost of energy they need to get through the day, but the problem with consuming too much coffee is that it can quickly become an addiction.
Instead, opt for spending at least 20 minutes a day outside, where the fresh oxygen will provide a real, long-lasting boost to your brain and energy levels.
Good for Vision
Research has shown that spending time outdoors can increase the quality of our vision, especially for elementary school students.
This is because of a number of reasons, but one of the biggest factors is a combination of natural light and a distinct lack of screens.
Boosts The Immune System
It’s believed that spending time outdoors naturally increases our exposure to chemicals called phytoncides, which are airborne chemicals produced by plants.
Inhaling them increases the level of white blood cells we have in our system, giving us higher defence against infections and diseases.
Enhanced Creativity
Researchers have found that spending time outdoors increases creativity by around 50 per cent.
This boosted creativity is perfect for those that are suffering from writer’s block or are struggling to get through a piece of art.
The boost is especially potent when there are no electronics present, and can clear the mind before heading home for another round of online games.
Vitamin D
It’s believed that most of the people living a Western lifestyle suffer from a Vitamin D deficiency.
Unlike other animals, humans are able to produce Vitamin D naturally, but we require direct content with the sun for at least 15 minutes a day for Vitamin D to be produced in adequate amounts.
Vitamin D is extremely important for many bodily functions, and has been proven to reduce inflammation, stress, the chance of osteoporosis, and increases the our body’s ability to absorb calcium efficiently.
Better Humans
Psychologists have found that spending time outdoors helps us to see through many of the social paradigms and pressures that cause a lot of stress and anxiety.
They also found that a nature can help us value the more important aspects of life, such as community, sharing, and relationships.
Pain Mitigation
In a study done on surgery patients, those that were exposed to high-intensity sunlight reported less pain and less stress, and also took far less pain medication as was required.
Aromatherapy
People pay a lot of money to experience aromatherapy treatment, despite nature providing it for free.
Research shows that spending time outdoors among floors can help you feel calmer and more relaxed.