Getting Outside and the Health Benefits
By Rachel Shouse
Outside is where a lot of fun can be had. The outdoors provide far more than great space for runs or walking. You can get together with friends, play with your kids at the park, walk on the beach, and much more. Beyond these wonderful things, getting outside can benefit both your mental and physical health.
How the Outdoors Benefit Your Mental Health
It's important for everyone to get outside and soak up some sun. It's also proven that the smells associated with the outdoors have a natural calming effect. This is great for those who suffer from anxiety. Not just anxiety, but also those who suffer from seasonal illness.
Seasonal depression is triggered by different seasons. Each season may hit people differently. While someone else might thrive during the summer, you may thrive during the winter. It all has to do with what you enjoy and how your brain chemistry responds. Getting out and enjoying it could make a huge difference.
Getting outside also has a way of boosting creativity. All of the colors, sounds, and smells trigger something within the brain. Being outside can also help you improve your focus. If you're struggling to get something done, try taking a short walk outside and see how you feel after that.
The Outdoors and Your Physical Health
Getting outside on a regular basis has a lot of positive impacts on your physical health. Beyond it being pleasing to the eye, the great outdoors actually helps boost your immune system. This helps us fight more germs and helps combat the duration of sicknesses. Not only does it do that, but it also helps improve children's eyesight. Research shows that young children, around elementary school age, are less likely to develop nearsightedness if they get adequate outdoor play.
Another benefit the outdoors have on your physical health is the great expanse you can take advantage of. It's easy to understand why it's much easier to get your workout done outside. There are so many options. If you haven't, explore more of your local parks and trails. Another bonus to trails is that most also allow you to ride a bike. It's so much easier to get a versatile and in-depth workout when you're outside.
Not everyone loves the outdoors. There are some downfalls. Bugs, poisonous plants, allergies, etc., can hinder someone from wanting to go outside. If these are some of your worries, a lot of cities have parks. These parks aren't in the deep woods by any stretch of the word, so if you're feeling uncomfortable, give that a try.
Although staying inside might have its benefits and comforts, being outside does far more good than harm. Even if it would be different for you, try getting outside for little increments at a time.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in St. George, Utah.