Did you know that the average American spends 95 percent of the day inside? That means if you live until 78, you've spent more than 70 years indoors. Getting fresh air is important for both physical and psychological health, so take advantage of the warm weather and head outside! Here’s why you should:
Sunlight is one of the best sources of Vitamin D, which our bodies need to maintain bone health and fight infections. Exposure to sunlight also stimulates the hypothalamus, which controls our biological clock, and the pineal gland, which produces melatonin. So going outdoors can help you get a better night’s sleep.
Spending time outside, or even just opening your windows, can reduce your exposure to air pollutants, which are two to five times more concentrated indoors.
Research shows that nature can actually facilitate healing after surgery. Patients who are exposed to natural elements like trees and flowers require less pain medication and heal faster than patients who are not exposed to nature.
There are also health benefits to exercising outdoors. When people run outside, they move their ankles differently and use different leg muscles than they do on the treadmill. Studies also show that running or cycling outside requires more energy than doing the same exercise indoors. Also, exercising outside is more effective in reducing stress, depression, and fatigue.
Going outside has numerous cognitive benefits as well. Taking a walking outside is one of the most effective strategies for boosting creativity and improving focus. Studies show that when children with ADHD spend time outdoors, their attention and performance improve considerably.
Spending only five minutes outside can significantly improve mood and self-esteem, as well as reduce stress and blood pressure. Dr. Shimi Kang, a psychiatrist in Vancouver, says, “I will write on a prescription pad: ‘Get outside into nature every day.’ I incorporate that into my treatment because it works. It’s very effective to be outside on a sunny day, because our brains release powerful neurochemicals similar to those you may be trying to promote with medications.”
So grab a friend and go for a walk, explore a nearby park, or simply open your window while you’re studying. Enjoy the beautiful weather before it’s gone!
