3 Healthy Reasons to Get Outside This Fall
By Genevieve Cunningham
Nature. Some people love it and some people aren’t terribly fond. Whether you dislike the creepy crawling bugs, the heat, the dirt, or something else, some people seriously shy away from spending any time in the great outdoors. But if you want to be healthy, this might be something worth changing your mind about. Take a look at these great healthy reasons to spend a little time outdoors beginning this fall season.
Fresh Air is Good for the Body and Mind
There’s nothing quite as soothing to the soul as a good, deep, clean breath of fresh air. When we get outside and breathe in fresh air, it fills our lungs and brains with much needed oxygen. This can boost our immune system, clear mental fog, and even boost our mood. While not everyone can walk outside and get clean fresh air (city dwellers, am I right?), almost everyone can find somewhere nearby to breathe in that crisp air and refresh their mental and physical wellness.
It’s a Great Way to Lower Stress
There is something about the great outdoors that also calms stress levels in the body. While things such as camping or hiking actually raise stress levels in some people, simply going outdoors lowers stress for most people. If you’re not into the outdoor activities, take a chair into the sun and lounge for a while. Or take a walk around the block or on the track at a nearby park. The more time you are able to spend outside every day, the more likely it is that your stress will be managed in a natural and beneficial way.
Outdoor Time Has Been Linked to Longer Lives
Several research studies have shown that spending time outdoors actually lengthens lives. Those who get at least one long walk outside every week live, on average, seven to 10 years longer. Researchers aren’t exactly sure why this phenomenon occurs, but they have some guesses. For starters, going outside forces a person to be more active, as most outdoor activities require some type of movement. Being outside also means soaking in more Vitamin D, which is vital for good health. And lastly, being outside can lower stress levels (as previously mentioned), which can significantly boost heart, mental, and overall body health.
With the warmer weather taking a backseat and the cooler winds blowing in, there’s no excuse to stay indoors. Get outside to freshen up your life and to boost your health in a significant way for a lifetime of happiness.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Allen, Tex.