While itโs no secret that regular physical exercise is key for good physical and mental health, you may not realize that simply getting out there in the great outdoors could work wonders for your body and soul. Medical professionals recommend an exercise regime including at least 3 x 30-minute exercise sessions per week, but how could exercising outdoors work to double the beneficial effects of your workout?
How Does Great Outdoors Support Good Mental Health and Physical Health?
While you should always incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine along with a healthy, balanced diet, simply getting closer to nature can go a long way in boosting both your physical and mental health. Whether you choose to go for a walk with the dog, tend to plants and flowers, or simply soak up the sights at your local park,ย spending quality time amongst green spaces, plants, and animals is said to help enhance physical health whilst boosting mood and helping us to relax and de-stress.
Time spent in natural environments is also said to help combat depression and anxiety – itโs even been found that as little as 10 minutes spent in a natural setting can be beneficial in reducing the effects of both physical and mental stress. By participating in sporting activities, joining clubs and socializing regularly as part of a group (such as a park meetup or hike), you could also significantly boost your self-esteem and confidence levels whilst staying fit and healthy.
Exercising regularly can even go a long way in improving the health of your eyes. It can reduce the risk of diseases of the eye including glaucoma, reduce pressure on the eyes and also reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, which can lead to retina damage or blindness due to diabetic retinopathy. If you work in a dingy office, regularly use a computer, or contact lenses, getting out into the sunlight can go a long way in giving your eyes a rest and recharge.
Being in great outdoors helps healing your mental wellness. When you are in green spaces, it reduces the risk of depression and ensure faster psychological stress recovery. When you are in nature, it restore and strengthen your mental capacity. At the same time, it increae your focus and concentration.
Just being outside and breathing fresh air can help your health!
Air quality is a hot topic these days, with many local councils seeking to de-pollute air for long-term investment in both the environment and public health. While fresh air may be relatively hard to come by if you live in a built-up environment, getting out there and connecting with nature is a great way to get your fill.
Regular exposure to sunlight can also help you to lose weight, combat depression and strengthen your immune system. Breathing fresh, clean air can increase your energy levels, revitalize your lungs, lower heart rate and blood pressure, and even promote proper digestion and a healthy gut!
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better” – said Albert Einstein. So, whenever you get chance, try to spend time in nature.
