1. Fresh air is good for you! Like the actual air you are breathing in (assuming you are living somewhere with decent air quality). It improves the cleansing actions of your lungs and helps you to release airborne toxins. The increase in oxygen will help with your digestive system and blood pressure. It’s science.
2. Also science. . . Vitamin D! If you can catch even the slightest bit of rays from the sun, your body will thank you. Vitamin D is proven to assist with immune functions and helps you to absorb calcium.
3. Improved energy and mood. I’m sure there is also science in here too, but anecdotally, getting outside ALWAYS improves my mood and gives me an energy boost. Even the times I’ve been caught in the rain or am mostly frozen (#puremichigan), I still feel lighter and happier after time outdoors.
4. Your brain needs a break. We spend SO much time at computers, on calls, on social media, balancing a million lists and trying to remember all the things, your poor brain just wants a second to relax. Getting outdoors will force you to stop and regroup. Give that brain a break and it will function even better after!
5. Restore your senses. Getting outside allows you to get in touch with all of your senses. Hear the birds singing, smell the wildflowers, see the color of the sky, feel the breeze on your skin. Taste. . . well, be careful of what you taste out there, but if you bring your favorite snack, it will taste even better when you are in tune with all of your senses.
6. Reduced depression and anxiety. Lots of science here. It’s been proven time and time again that spending time outdoors in various capacities can improve your mental health. Even with extreme mental health diseases, there is proof that time outside can make a difference.
7. Physical benefits. Even just going for a short stroll will improve muscle function and mobility. Use what is out there to improve your physical health. Hills add a whole new dynamic when walking, a park bench can make a great spot for elevated push ups, and an open field is the perfect spot to do some yoga or jumping jacks!
8. Happy people! So maybe not everywhere, but compared to say, walking around a mall, you’re going to encounter FAR more people outdoors who smile back, say hi, or who want too strike up a short conversation. (Happy people hike, duh.)
9. You’ll sleep better tonight. Time outside can help reset your bodies natural rhythms. We are meant to be a part of nature and our sleep cycles especially benefit from this integration.
10. BECAUSE IT FEELS GOOD! All of the scientifically proven health benefits are great, but simply put, getting outdoors, even if for a short time, just feels good. It’s not something that can totally be quantified. Just that feeling of your mind, body and soul in sync with nature is something we all could use a bit more of.
