Soak up a reasonable amount of rays as a preventative measure and keep your sunscreen on hand.
Scientists have long associated UV ray exposure with skin cancer, which is true - but moderate doses of sun prevent pancreatic, ovarian and colon cancers. Ming Kuo at the University of Illinois, spending time in nature reduces the risk of anything from ADHD to cardiac disease. The human immune system benefits greatly from a bit of outdoor air and sun. Hop up for a quick walk outside whenever you feel major stress piling on! You’ll discover how fresh air and sunshine regulates your cortisol levels and leaves you cool, calm and collected. Everyone knows that excessive stress damages the body - for some, this happens quicker than others. As far too many people today worry constantly, getting outdoors can keep the body from producing excess cortisol, which can lead to poor health.Ĭortisol, though useful in moderation, is one of the main hormones responsible for your jittery nerves and inability to cease worrying. Do an outdoor activity like gardening or bird watching to keep your mind relaxed and focused on only one subject. Going outdoors also activates the parasympathetic nervous system, the part that helps calm the body after the flight-or-fight response of the sympathetic nervous system. Excessive light can worsen migraines, however, so slide on a pair of shades if it’s an exceptionally sunny day. Some research indicates that those suffering from headache issues benefit from going outside to head off a pending attack. Spending time outdoors allows the mind to focus on things other than worries and cares, which often leads to innovative solutions to problems.
Walking outdoors can improve brain and central nervous system functioning. When your cells do their best work, the clouds clear from your mind, and you achieve new levels of mental clarity. Taking deep breaths of clean, open air increases your body’s oxygen levels and boosts cell efficiency. The Lung Institute recommends walking outdoors regularly to improve your breathing. Walking outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine benefits respiratory function significantly. Pull back your curtains, open a window and let there be light! You reduce your chances of contracting an illness when you do. Interestingly, particles of dust lurking around areas limited in regular sunshine carry more bacteria. If the air at home or work contains particles of black mold, cigarette smoke or other toxins, constant cold or allergy symptoms can result. One thing that’s yucky about winter is regularly breathing dry, indoor air. When your muscles work improperly, your bones follow suit.
Of course, if you get outside and movie those joints regularly, you’ll stave off these problems. Muscle weakness is more likely to attack when you lack Vitamin D. Bacteria thrives in the dark, so step out into the sun whenever you can.īeyond bones and bacteria, Vitamin D combats muscle and back pain and improves muscle movement. In addition to Vitamin D, UV rays harm microorganisms that would otherwise make you sick when they come into contact with you.
Vitamin D doesn’t just help bone growth - it can help you stave off the dreaded spring cold that keeps you in when you want to go out! Vitamin D makes the body more resistant to catching nasty germs. Arthritis is an example of a familiar bone problem deterred by sufficient Vitamin D. A vitamin D deficiency can lead to brittle bones and fractures. It helps the body convert calcium into a usable form to build strong, healthy bones. Why supplement with vitamin D when spending some time soaking up the sun helps your body produce much of the D vitamin it needs? Vitamin D is just one of the benefits of fresh air and sunshine. Here are six fantastic health benefits of getting out there and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. Just as importantly, spending time in nature soothes and revitalizes weary souls. Getting outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine improves everything from physical to mental health. But the benefits of fresh air and sunshine really do abound! Then, they wonder why they don’t feel their best. But after the first beautiful day or two, many return to their sedentary indoor life. As spring finally begins to melt the last piles of dingy parking lot snow, many people feel compelled to get outside to enjoy the weather they’ve missed while hibernating in their cozy cabins.