11 benefits of being outdoors

Even before I started working in the outdoors industry, I loved being outdoors. I have many happy memories of doing my school studying outdoors whenever I could, even on cold days. Summer vacations were spent outdoors as much as possible, not necessarily doing anything specific; just being outdoors.

Maybe all of that came from growing up in a city and feeling confined and constrained by the gray, I don’t know. Whatever the reason, the desire has stayed with me and I seek to be outdoors at any opportunity.

Since my childhood, I have considered a little more why we should spend time outdoors and some of the benefits it brings. Some of these have been well researched and documented; others are merely anecdotal, but seem to apply to a wide variety of people I have worked with.

Physical

Of the benefits, they can be divided into those that are mental and those that are more physical in nature, which is where I’ll start. These are things in which we can notice changes for the better in our body, whether it is sick or healthy.

Vitamin D

One of the well-documented benefits of being outdoors is the increased level of vitamin D it provides. The sunlight that hits the skin starts the process that generates the vitamin in us. Studies suggest that this vitamin may have protective effects against many things, from heart attacks and strokes to cancer or depression. This is a huge debate in Scotland right now, with people suggesting that the nation should take supplements to counteract the ill effects of so many gray days. However, it seems that it is not necessary to be outside much to reach a reasonable level; Being outside for 15 minutes a day may be enough and if you take advantage of every sunny day you should be fine.

Obviously, there is the downside to getting burned, which is why we are told to apply sunscreen religiously, which then prevents the vitamin-generating UVB light from hitting us. However, with some common sense and a little balance, it should be possible to avoid overexposure, but allow enough sun to stay healthy, if you get outdoors enough.

Exercise

If you are outside, then by definition you are not driving in your car or sitting on your couch. This suggests that you may be walking somewhere or participating in some form of more deliberate exercise. Assuming you’re at an appropriate level for your overall fitness level, this is a good thing that provides benefits. Again, it doesn’t have to be in large quantities. There are guidelines on what you should do and it will be best if you can follow them. However, if you don’t normally exercise at all, I’m reasonably confident that graduating and doing “something” is a big step forward.

I know we can still go to a gym and exercise and there is nothing wrong with that. However, my take is that the ever-changing landscape outdoors is better than a TV on your treadmill and the other obvious benefit is that the outdoors is free.

Cicatrization

According to a study conducted in Pittsburgh, having access to natural light is beneficial for patients recovering from spinal surgery. Other studies have shown the benefits of patients being able to see trees and the countryside rather than just brick walls. I know that when I was incarcerated in the hospital recently, just for a few days, the fact that I could look out the window at more than just buildings was great. Now this is not specifically about to be outside, but surely the advantages of seeing these things can be multiplied by going out as well, perhaps even touching nature. It is no wonder to me that for years long-term patients have been wheeled into the hospital grounds and gardens as part of their convalescence.

Space

Particularly important for children, the outdoors provides more space. How many times have you noticed that a child feels like running but is too limited on the inside? Take off your shackles and they’ll go out, whether you’re moving down a small hallway in the building, getting under people’s feet and falling on the corners of tables, or playing airplanes, soccer, or just running outside. Children are much more active outdoors and I suspect that is in large part because there are fewer limits to slow them down and make them conform. They need to be allowed outside to vent – just ask an elementary school teacher on the third rainy day in a row!

Fresh air

Finally, on the physical section, I am a firm believer in the idea that living all our days in our hermetically sealed, double-glazed, centrally heated, or air-conditioned boxes (at work or at home) is not very healthy. Just by observing myself, I know that fresh air helps me sleep better and gives me less trouble with my skin condition. Perhaps that is also true for other people, who simply need to breathe fresh air sometimes. Yes, cold-draft houses aren’t good either, but I suspect a middle ground can be found, which may come from frequent visits to the great, fresh-smelling outside world.

Mental

There is another body of work that looks at the impact that being outside has on our mental well-being. While there are few conclusive studies, it appears that various researches are quite convinced that there are psychological benefits to be gained from being outdoors. In addition to all this academic research, I am currently able to speak from my personal experience as well. Trapped inside with a ruptured Achilles tendon, even a short ten minute walk down the street makes me feel better on the inside. In this case, it particularly eases my feelings of cheating and monotony. These and other ideas are developed below.

Light

The light makes you feel better and, in general, there is more outside than inside, even on days that you wouldn’t classify as “bright.” If you are not sure, look at the number of people who suffer in the winter due to the lack of seasonal light. While your job may enslave you to an indoor routine that means coming and going in the dark hours, a five-minute walk at lunchtime could overcome the problem long enough to make you feel better.

Do not worry

The natural green colors you find in the countryside tend to have a much more calming effect on your brain than the blacks and grays of urban life. Even in the confines of a city center park, the greenery is more appealing to the eye. You may not live near open green spaces (which is a shame given the apparent benefits of that), but whenever you want, hopefully you can find them and make the most of them, even a dandelion growing in a cracked mortar. it’s a problem. Start.

It also seems to be a widely held opinion that one of the most calming sounds you can hear is moving water. Whether it’s a stream, wave, or waterfall, sounds make us feel better in some way, in a way that a leaky faucet just can’t. No need to go camping on the beach or climb a mountain stream; even the stream that runs through the village green or the fountains in the park can produce the same effect.

Caught

Sometimes I think you can feel trapped being inside all the time. Particularly at work, where it may already feel like you’re just part of a no-go system, having to sit in the same seat day after day only provides a drab view of the world. When exiting, the view is open, even looking down a city street. Add in the perks that come from walking even a few feet above the crowd and the feeling of being enclosed can soar, even temporarily.

Variety

They say that variety is the spice of life and that a change is as good as a break. In that case, going, even briefly, from an indoor existence to an outdoor period should be beneficial. If we can go somewhere new in the deal, it will be even better. It doesn’t have to be exotic, no matter how much travel agents try to convince you otherwise. Walking down a different street in your own city may be enough. Going to a different park or a new trail will provide even more benefits.

Concentration

It seems that people, and particularly children, who suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can benefit from being outdoors. If they can counter their ‘nature deficit’ by going out (as Richard Louv describes it in his book ‘The Last Boy in the Woods’), their concentration improves. The research on this is primarily focused on these children, but it is not wild conjecture to suggest that the same may be true for all of us. When I worked in a Darlington office complex, I used to take ten minutes at lunchtime just to walk around the block every day. It did wonders with my ability to focus in the afternoon. With the flexible schedule in place, I was even free to do it again in the middle of the afternoon should I need it.

Appreciation

Finally, I think it is beneficial to be outdoors because of the new appreciation it gives us to our area. Taking the time to look around in a natural setting, whether it is perceived as beautiful or not, will allow you the opportunity to see what is really there. You don’t need to go far. Simply sitting outside with the things growing around you will present a multiplicity of objects to be observed. In addition to that, there may be wildlife, such as birds or small mammals, as well as the weather as it impacts on land or sea. When watching with your eyes open, it’s hard not to be impressed and this can only increase appreciation for where you are. When this is your homeland, it can fill you with a sense of pride by association. However, even if it is far away, it is possible to get a sense of wonder and satisfaction – having the privilege of living in such a diverse world is incredible.

Conclution

You may think that some of this is hard to believe or does not apply to your situation or the geographic area you frequent. However, having spent most of my working life in outdoor contexts, I have seen many of these concepts in action and have helped people develop their thinking while outdoors. I couldn’t put numbers on it, but I’d risk guessing that everyone who has dated me over the years has benefited in some way from the experience. Which begs the question why we don’t hang out more often, it’s obviously good for us!

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