With summer just around the corner, the weather is finally improving. Because of this, it’s much easier to spend more time outside. Spending time outside brings many health benefits. However, people don’t realize all that you can do to see these benefits. Here are 5 ways to maximize your time outside and to ultimately become a healthier version of yourself:
- Spend time with friends.
Spending time with others in social environments is important for mental health, which has been severely neglected due to the pandemic. According to WebMD, positive social interaction helps decrease depression and anxiety. Playing a game, going for a walk, or even just sitting outside with friends can greatly improve mental health. In fact, the other suggestions on this list can easily be done with friends!
- Go for a walk.
Walking outside gives you time to enjoy the outdoor scenery, and has several health benefits. According to WebMD, going on regular walks both improves your mood and decreases stress, due to increased flow of blood throughout the body to the brain. Walking consistently also helps improve sleep, which in turn can benefit overall health. Really, there’s no reason not to walk!
- Bring your work outside.
Due to the pandemic, most people began working from home and spending all day indoors. People are still working remotely, which gives them the chance to work outside in their backyard, at a café, or even the local park. Working outside helps with stress levels. According to Indeed, getting fresh air and oxygen reduces stress hormones such as cortisol. It also improves energy levels due to the fresh oxygen you’re breathing in, which can increase productivity.
- Read a book.
As nature is often quieter than crowded indoor environments, it’s extremely common and pleasant to read outside. In fact, reading outside leads to an increase in focus, according to the Scottish Book Trust. The natural light also makes it easier to read and is generally easier on your eyes. And again, due to the increase in fresh oxygen, your productivity will increase.
- And of course – exercise!
In a world where people choose to stay indoors to exercise, many don’t realize the benefits of exercising outside. According to WebMD, outdoor exercise stimulates all five senses, which an indoor space can’t. This leads to higher self-esteem due to the number of positive stimulants surrounding you, making you feel better as you exercise. Exercising outside also helps save money, as you don’t need to spend money on a gym membership. For both self-esteem and the wallet, exercising outside is a great way to maximize your time outdoors.
As the weather outside begins to warm up and summer begins, it’s important to spend time outside. Outdoor spaces bring many health benefits, and you’ll begin to feel better once you do.
To see these benefits, it’s important to spend time outside consistently. And by doing these activities to improve your health and wellbeing, you maximize your time outside in the process.
References
https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/mental-benefits-of-walking
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/benefits-of-working-outdoors
https://www.scottishbooktrust.com/articles/the-joy-of-reading-outside
https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/7-reasons-to-sweat-outdoors
