Safety First: 3 Tips for Healthy Outdoor Time
By Genevieve Cunningham
If you're not spending any time outside, you're missing out on some huge opportunities. Nature is one of the best things for our mind, body, and soul. It helps us stay grounded and balanced. When we don't get outside enough, we tend to suffer in multiple ways -- potential depression, body aches, and stifled energy. But getting outside comes with dangers as well. After all, the elements can be risky. Fortunately, spending time outside can be done with little risk, especially if you take a few precautions. If you need to get outside for some fresh air, take a look at these three tips to protect your safety first so that you can enjoy nature worry-free.
Sunscreen
If you don't do anything else before you go outside, you have to protect your skin. The sun, though good for us in many ways, is also potentially dangerous. When we expose our skin to the sun without protection, we invite damage. We raise the risk of premature aging, dark spots, sunburns, and cancer. Put sunscreen on before you go outdoors -- no matter the weather! And if you're truly serious, put sunscreen on every day as a part of your normal routine, and make a habit of reapplying throughout the day.
Preparedness
Nature can be volatile, which is why it's important to be prepared for almost anything. If you're getting outside away from home, make sure that you have items such as a hat, a light jacket, a blanket, sunscreen, an umbrella, a small snack, and a water bottle with you. You can leave these items in the car. If you need them, you can go back and grab them. Though it might seem excessive, getting caught unprepared is a terrible feeling. Be prepared so that you will have what you need and won't have to cut your outdoor time short.
Movement
It's fine if you want to get outside and lounge around. You'll still gain the benefit of fresh air and sunshine. But it's even better if you get outside and move. This means you'll get the benefits of nature and the benefits of exercise at the same time. Win-win. Go outside for a walk, a jog, or a game of some kind. Do whatever feels good and keeps your body moving so that you can get the best of both worlds.
If you're going to get outdoors - and you should! - you have to do it safely. You have to protect your body from the elements and potential dangers. And luckily, it doesn't take much to keep yourself safe! Use these tips to get outside in a safe manner, and enjoy the benefits of nature, movement, and these easy preventative tips.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Toledo, Ohio.