In today’s technological age we are spending more time indoors than in previous years. The effects are becoming more unsatisfactory. The detrimental effects of spending long periods of time inside may not be recognizable until it is too late. However you do not need to spend your entire day outside as short frequent walks or outside exercise will significantly improve your overall health and well being.
Exercise and Cardio
Walks, runs or daily exercise in fresh air greatly improves health. A simple walk helps increase cardio, giving you time to reflect and focus while also affording the chance to discover new and exciting places in the neighborhood. You may even meet new friends or uncover opportunities you would have missed otherwise. Leaving home is also conducive to jumpstarting a mindset for exercise. Try different locations to avoid the tedium often resulting from repeating the same regimen every day.
Vitamin D Intake
Vitamin D intake is enhanced by spending time outdoors. The sun provides the essential amount of Vitamin D while walking or exercising. There is no “one size fits all” when determining the length of time needed to raise Vitamin D levels. Benefits are dictated by a number of factors including where you live, how much cloud cover there is on that particular day and other atmospheric conditions. Regardless, spending time outdoors each day boosts your Vitamin D levels directly from the sun.
Improved Concentration
In studies of behaviors of children with ADHD, it has been found that children spending time outside showed improved levels of concentration. Being outdoors provides time to think about daily events and allows time to focus on goals with no distractions of home life. Go outside. Clear your head and get away from it all for a while.
Natural Light
Artificial light affects moods in ways not easily recognizable. Natural light improves a person’s mood. The simple act of being outside is enough to increase happiness. Taking part in exercise or activities in natural light is proven to be better. Shutting yourself away contributes to feelings of loneliness, isolation, depression, and even serious mental health conditions.
Better Eyesight
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a condition linked to too much time spent indoors. Constantly staring at a phone, laptop, tablet or TV screen is not good for vision. People tend to blink less when concentrating on a screen which can lead to conditions such as dry eye syndrome. Give your eyes much needed relief, put down the phone and spend time outdoors exploring the world.
Improved Sleep
Spending time outside improves the quality of a person’s sleep. The body’s natural reliance on sunlight helps regulate sleep patterns. Spending time inside will confuse your body, making it more difficult to sleep at night. Engaging in movement and exercise helps expend built up energy and worries. You won’t find yourself tossing and turning the entire night when you have spent part of the day outside.
Encouraging the outdoors cannot be stated enough. It is not healthy for anyone to spend too much time indoors. Be healthier, happier and more confident in all areas of life. Go outside!
Bridge to Better Living® encourages living a healthy and long life. Take advantage of all the health benefits associated with spending time outdoors. When researching Senior Living options contact Bridge to Better Living® help find the match for you or your loved one.