Happier and Healthier: 5 Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors

90% of people spend close to 22 hours inside every day! Spending time outdoors is a simple way to improve your overall health and wellness. Many people do not realize how little time they spend outdoors or how this affects their mental and physical health. Taking just a few minutes a day to get some fresh air can have a significant impact on your health.

Here are just a few benefits to spending time outdoors

1. Boosts mood

Spending time outdoors helps boost your mood! Studies show that levels of anxiety, stress, and others are reduced by being outdoors. When you are outside, the fresh air can help raise oxygen levels in your brain, which increases serotonin levels. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that alters your mood. Getting some fresh air is a simple way to improve your mood!

2. Increases physical activity

Being outside encourages physical activity. Whether it is going for a walk, hiking, or even gardening, there are countless ways you can increase your exercise by being outdoors! Exercise and physical activity release endorphins which boost your mood.  

3. Relieves stress

Did you know America is one of the most stressed countries in the world? Over 50% of Americans report being stressed daily. Spending 20-30 minutes outside has been proven to reduce stress levels. Even for a short period, being outdoors can reduce cortisol levels, which is the natural chemical in your body that causes stress.

4. Vitamin D  

Your body needs sunlight to make vitamin D. This vitamin regulates the amount of calcium and phosphate in your body, which keeps your bones, teeth, and muscles healthy! Being in the sun from 5 to 15 minutes, 2-3 times a week, will help you get the vitamin D and sunshine your body needs.  

5. Improves Sleep

Being outdoors helps to set your sleep cycle! Your body runs on an internal clock or circadian rhythm. When you spend time outside during the day, the exposure to sunlight regulates this internal clock and allows you to sleep longer and better!

Time spent outdoors is highly beneficial to your state of wellness!  You have limitless options of ways you can enjoy time outside. Here are a few easy ways you can get outdoors.

What You Can Do

• Go for a walk
• Garden 
• Have a picnic
• Take a bike ride

These are just a few activities that will help you experience the benefits of spending time outdoors. You can improve your overall wellness by taking a few minutes each day and going outside!