Why You Need to Plan Some Time Outside This Fall
By Genevieve Cunningham
The fall is a great time to get outside. Camping, hiking, sitting around the fire pit … all of these are great activities for the fall season. But getting outdoors is about so much more than having a little fun. It’s good for your health! Before fall hits full force, take a look at these great reasons to plan a little outdoor time in the upcoming season.
The Mental Aspect
Spending time outdoors, as has been proven in multiple studies, is good for mental well-being. A few of the ways in which it may enhance your mental health include:
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Stable moods - Moodiness is thought to significantly reduce when time outside is a constant in your life. This leaves you with a bit of stability and fewer dramatic swings.
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Positive perspective - Our perspective is all we have. If our perspective is negative, we begin to believe that all of life is negative. When it’s positive, which occurs far more often in nature, we begin to feel more positive about life in general.
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Lowered risk of depression - Too much time spent indoors or in the dark have both been linked to higher instances of depression. Getting out in the sunlight may reduce your risk of suffering from this debilitating disease.
The Physical Aspect
While the mental health benefits are reason enough to get outside, there are many physical benefits as well. A few of these include:
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More movement - Most people go outside and move a bit. Whether it’s simple walking or playing a game, activity is part of the experience. And the more we move, the healthier and stronger our bodies become.
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Stronger bones - Many people are surprised by this benefit, but it’s real. When we go outside in the sun, we soak up the very powerful Vitamin D from the sun. This vitamin is responsible for multiple functions in the body, one of which is the strengthening of the bones. Getting outside may make your bones stronger over time.
With the cool winds blowing in, there are zero excuses for staying indoors. It's too nice outside to miss out! Get outside and soak in some nature, fresh air, and sunshine. You’ll likely find some very healthy mental and physical benefits come about in your life. Take advantage of this time of year, and watch your health improve like never before.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Alpharetta, Ga.