Benefits of Getting Outside

It is estimated that many people spend as much as 90% of their lives inside with little, to no, exercise.  By spending so much time indoors, a lot of people are missing out on the protective factors inherent in nature.   You can keep your body functioning at it's peak potential by embracing a healthy lifestyle that supports your mental and physical wellness.  Here are a few of the many benefits of getting outside.

If you're not in a good mood, taking a walk outside may help.   Studies have shown that getting outdoors can improve your overall feelings of well being and reduce anxiety.  That's because when sunlight enters your eyes, it stimulates the release of serotonin, which is often called the "Happiness Hormone".  Getting outside can also help you find solutions to problems or inspire creativity.  And for those with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), getting outside can help offset the impact of the lack of daylight during seasons with shorter amounts of daylight.   Plus moving during the day will help you fall asleep more quickly and sleep deeper for a longer period of time   Exercise, like walking outside, also causes your body to produce growth hormones, which help it to repair and revitalize itself.

A large number of people are deficient in vitamin D.   Your body can produce most of the vitamin D it needs.  When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it makes vitamin D from cholesterol.  The sun's ultraviolet B (UVB) rays hit cholesterol in the skin cells, providing the energy for vitamin D synthesis to occur.  Try to get at least 10 to 15 minutes of unprotected time in the sun each day to give your body a chance to make the Vitamin D it needs.  Midday, especially during summer, is the best time to get sunlight.  At noon, the sun is at its highest point, and its UVB rays are most intense. That means you need less time in the sun to make sufficient vitamin D.  Be aware that sunscreen could prevent the skin from producing it.  So spend 10 to 15 minutes without sunscreen and then apply sunscreen if you are going to be exposed longer.

When your eyes take in the right kind of light at the right time of day, it switches on responses in your body that not only helps your emotional well-being, but how deeply you sleep.  Getting outside in the sun for 15 minutes each morning will help your body produce  melatonin, the sleep hormone.  You can also get the sunlight in your eyes through a window.  And if neither of those is possible, you may want to get some healthy lighting that simulates natural outdoor light.  This company has a variety of light bulbs that both, reduce the blue light at night, and simulate sunlight during the day.  This will allow you to experience some of the many benefits of getting outside, even if you can't.

When you get your bare feet on the earth, your feet will draw in the earth’s electrical charges.  This is known as grounding or earthing.  The electromagnetic energy from the Earth can have profound healing effects on your body.   It can communicate with your central nervous system and help balance biochemical reactions.   Most people will experience improved sleep and reduced inflammation when they can regularly get their feet on the earth.  If you can't do this, there are grounding or earthing mats that you can buy and will deliver the same benefits.

Indoor air pollution can be up to 10 times worse than what you’re inhaling outdoors.  You may think of pollution as factory smoke or car exhaust, but indoor air pollution can be worse than what you might find outside.  Poor indoor air quality can result from poor ventilation, paints, mold, chemicals from household and personal products, and the pollutants that are brought inside on your shoes.  Consider eliminating the chemicals in your home to minimize their impact on your body.  And get outside to experience the the different sights, smells, and sounds around you.  You may be surprised by the benefits of getting outside.

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