Get Outdoors to Boost Your Health
By Genevieve Cunningham
There's nothing like spending a little time outdoors. For some people, going outside is a given. They're going to do it every day -- pretty much no matter what. For others, the modern world has gotten in the way. We're so used to sitting indoors watching TV and playing on our various entertainment devices that we've forgotten the outdoors even exist. But if you want better health, you really need to get yourself back outside. If you're guilty of a little too much indoor living, take a look at these reasons why getting outdoors every day is healthy and important.
It's Calming
Nature is incredibly calming. Maybe not when there's a hurricane or a tornado, but in general, nature has a way of calming both body and mind. If you tend to feel overwhelmed often, make sure that spending a few minutes outdoors every day is a part of your routine. You may find that regular time in nature lowers stress, improves cardio health, clears the mind, and brings a sense of peace into your life. If you can, take walks or go for hikes. You'll get the advantages of nature along with the advantages of exercise for a double whammy to your health.
You'll Get Vitamin D
We can't live without Vitamin D. It's important for bone health, the immune system, and mental wellness. When we don't get enough, we feel the effects on a deep level -- moodiness, aches in the bones, and debilitating fatigue. The unfortunate part is that there aren't very many foods in our diet that provide Vitamin D to our bodies. Instead, we get it from the sun. In order to keep our Vitamin D levels up, we have to consistently get outdoors and -- safely -- soak in the sun's rays. Avoiding the outdoors may increase your risk of a deficiency and greatly affect your overall health moving forward.
Getting outside is absolutely crucial for your mental and physical well-being. And if we're being honest, it's good for your quality of life as well. Those who spend time outside tend to be happier, more content, and calmer in their daily lives. Go for walks, lay out in the sun and breeze, play sports outdoors, take your kids to the park. There are a million ways to get outside and enjoy your time. Choose a few, and you may find your life and health improve in ways you never imagined.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Charlotte, N.C.