Physical, Mental, Emotional: 3 Reasons to Go Outside
By Genevieve Cunningham
Do you spend any time outside? It seems that in our modern world, we spend more time indoors than ever before. There's just so much to do inside! We have TV with tons of streaming service options, the internet with endless opportunities for entertainment, and of course the comfort that comes from being inside. Why would we need to go outside? While it can be tempting to stick to the comfort of your home, it's so important to get outdoors a little but every day! If you haven't been spending enough (or any) time outside, take a look at these three great reasons to start today.
Physical Health
The first good reason to go outside is because it improves your physical well-being. Though we're taught to be cautious about sunlight, we actually need some exposure to the sun. This is how we get the much needed Vitamin D in our lives. A lack of Vitamin D can lead to a wide array of negative side effects including pain, insomnia, and more. But getting outside also gives us the opportunity to move. We can walk, play, and just move about. The more we move, the healthier we'll be. If you're looking for a really easy way to improve your physical health, just go outside and you'll be headed in the right direction.
Mental Health
Another great reason to get outdoors is because it's good for your mental health. Vitamin D has a huge impact on depression and anxiety. When we're short on Vitamin D, we are far more likely to experience bouts of depression. Getting outside can help us get the Vitamin D we need to stabilize mental health problems that stem from this specific shortage. But it's also been proven that the great outdoors lowers stress. When we're able to lower stress, we can significantly improve our mental well-being and lower the amounts of anxiety we feel. If you want a simple way to improve mental health, find a spot to enjoy nature just a little every day.
Emotional Balance
We don't often talk about emotional health, but it's a very important part of healthy living. When our emotions are too big and out of control, it affects everything else about our health and life. We have to actively manage our emotions, even in times of personal crisis. While there are many steps to managing emotions, getting outside can definitely help. Nature has a way of calming our minds. It has a way of forcing us to breathe deeply, which is essential in managing emotions. If you often feel moody or irritable, getting outside may really help.
It doesn't take much time outside to really see a difference in our lives. Start with a simple five minutes. Start with a simple walk every day. Start however you like! Just get outside to experience physical, mental, and emotional benefits as soon as today.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Glendale, Calif.