Your television, computer, and other comforts of home are fun to enjoy. However, being around so many temptations can cause anyone to spend too much time indoors. The temptations and comforts found indoors are why nearly 50% of people in the United States spend all their recreational time inside.
There's nothing wrong or bad about enjoying a video game, watching a movie, or participating in other indoor activities. However, never going outside can rob your mind and body of major benefits.
If you're on the fence about going outside, you might change your mind after learning these seven positive effects of outdoor activities.
1. Increasing Your Vitamin D Intake
Many people contribute vitamin consumption to a healthier lifestyle. For some, increasing their vitamin intake can also reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. One potential way to curb depressive feelings is with vitamin D.
But you don't need special foods or supplements to get your daily dose of vitamin D. That's because your body produces vitamin D while outdoors underneath the sun. Increasing your vitamin D intake can do far more than cure depression.
According to Harvard University, increasing your vitamin D intake may help:
- Boost muscle and bone strength
- Inhibit or slow tumor growth
- Reduce your risk of heart disease
- Prevent Type 2 diabetes
- Slow cognitive decline
2. Feeling Happier
Did you know that being outside actually makes you feel happier? This isn't pseudoscience but a well-researched fact. Plus, you don't need to spend all day to reap these benefits. Research published in a 2019 issue of Scientific Reports found that spending just two hours per week outdoors can significantly improve your well-being.
Best of all, it doesn't matter whether you spend two hours outside or split these two hours across a week. Either way, you should notice the mood-boosting benefits of being outdoors.
3. Getting More Exercise
With its cozy couches, chairs, and beds, being inside is all about comfort. In most cases, comfortable environments don't inspire someone to get moving. On the other hand, outdoor activities require movement. An outdoor environment also makes exercising easier since you're away from all those indoor distractions, such as computers and smartphones.
You don't have to exhaust yourself while outdoors. Something as simple as walking outside or brushing up on your tactical skills are forms of exercise. When you exercise, it releases hormones known as endorphins. An endorphin release helps eliminate stress and improve your overall mood. Researchers have also found that the simple act of being outside increases your motivation to exercise.
If you have a treadmill or weight bench indoors collecting dust, try switching things up and exercising in your favorite outdoor gear.
4. Improving Your Social Connectedness
Regardless of what you do outside, it's likely that you'll encounter other people. For instance, a nearby lake or hiking trail are two places people love to go when the weather's nice. These situations can let you strike up conversations with new people.
As you meet new people, even if it's just a quick wave to another person, these activities improve your social connectedness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), increased social connectedness reduces anxiety and depression. It can even increase your life expectancy!
Who knows? What begins as a wave across the park or hiking trail could lead to new friendships or even relationships.
5. Noticing Improved Sleep Quality
The benefits of outdoor activities don't stop once you're back inside. Whether you spend your time outside playing sports, jogging, or hiking - all outdoor activities use energy. Besides using energy, time spent outdoors is helpful for your body's circadian rhythm.
We all have a circadian rhythm. This crucial function helps your body determine when to be alert and when to rest. Yes, electric light from televisions, computers, and smartphones can mimic natural sunlight. But there's nothing like the real deal. One study found that sunlight has up to 200 times the effect on circadian rhythms than artificial lights.
As you come back inside after being outside, the contrast of being indoors should improve your body's ability to rest as night falls.
6. Spending Less Time Being Sick
Understandably, no one enjoys being sick. Illnesses can make your body ache and shiver while you struggle to do anything. Fortunately, studies found that spending more time outside can improve your immune system.
There are a few reasons why the great outdoors leads to a stronger immune system. For one, there is much more air circulating freely outside than inside. Air circulating in small, enclosed indoor spaces is not as easy. Improved air circulation can send airborne contaminants farther away from you. According to the Journal of Infectious Diseases, you're 18.7 times more likely to get sick from being inside than outside!
The second reason involves vitamin D. Numerous studies, as we mentioned, show that being outside ramps up your body's vitamin D production. An increased amount of this vitamin can make your immune system stronger.
Lastly, being outside exposes your body to a wide range of microorganisms. This exposure to microorganisms might sound worrisome, but they help strengthen your immune system. Spending all your time inside can confuse your immune system, making it unsure of what to protect you from.
7. Losing Weight
Understandably, many people want to lose weight. Some people would be happy to lose a few extra pounds. For others, losing weight is a significant concern. Regardless of why you want to lose weight, spending more time outside might be the perfect activity.
Exercising outdoors lets your mind and body enjoy new spaces. Focusing your attention on your new surroundings takes your thoughts off the exercise you're receiving. One study found that people exercising outside worked out 10% longer than those exercising indoors. While 10% is a small increase, repeatedly exercising outdoors can lead to significant weight loss improvements over time.
Being outside costs no money and doesn't require any waiting. Whether you do it alone or with others, consider getting outside today! Your body and mind might be thankful you did.
