6 Good Reasons to be Outside Every Day
By Sandy Schroeder
If we could bottle the magic of being outdoors, I am sure we all would. Whenever I am outside, I feel more relaxed, and at ease with the world. If you share that feeling, consider moving more of your activities outdoors.
Dinner served under the trees always tastes better. Evening conversations on a candlelit patio are always more memorable. Lazy Saturday afternoons by the pool, or in the garden, make every weekend special.
If you agree, here are more healthy outdoor benefits.
Exercise works better – Researchers say people who work out outdoors exercise longer, and work harder. People feel better outside so the mood lifts, and the workout is maximized.
Fight cancer and inflammation – Researchers say outdoor time can increase natural killer cells that fight infections, inflammation and cancer. The boost can be as high as 50 percent.
Blood pressure levels out – The Japanese call walking outside shinrin-yoku, which translates as forest bathing. Researchers say outdoor time reduces the stress hormone, cortisol, and levels blood pressure. They also say 10 percent of the people battling high blood pressure could gain control if they spent half an hour per week in the park.
Problems shrink – Big problems become smaller as nature calms everything with its soothing backdrop. Many of my friends say daily walks solve their problems, and prompt fresh new ideas.
Push the fun button – Mental health gets a supersized lift when we walk, bike, swim or ski. Tension subsides as sad, anxious, angry feelings fade. Life is just more fun.
Cut exercise costs – Replacing gym time with daily walks, biking or jogging saves money. All you need are a good pair of walking shoes and a spot in your schedule.
Ready to Move Outdoors?
Think of some new ways to use your outdoor space with these simple tips so that you can take advantage of the great outdoors in Boulder.
Outdoor retreat - Create an outdoor room with pillows, mats and screens to expand the usable "indoor" footprint of your home. Use it for yoga, meditation, stretching exercises or reading.
Family garden – Involve everyone as you start a new garden full of vegetables and flowers. One of my friends turned part of her yard into a superb herb garden. Now she has a decorative accent area and fresh herbs whenever she needs them.
Sports practice – Rope off a practice area for soccer, football or basketball with nets, balls and hoops.
Dine out – Add some latticework and potted plants to your patio, along with a comfortable table and chairs. Then barbecue, or whip up a salad buffet, inviting friends to dine out at your place.
Whatever you do, don’t miss the opportunity to put the outdoors to work for you and your family.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.
