Have you been outside lately to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine? In a world where screens dominate our attention and schedules keep us tethered inside, making time for the outdoors isn’t as easy as it used to be — but it’s so important for good health and happiness. Science confirms what many of us already feel: spending time in nature is one of the easiest ways to support our mental and physical health. Want to soak up the benefits? Here’s just a few reasons why spending time outside every day is a must.
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1. Boosted Mood and Mental Health
Have you noticed how a walk through the neighborhood or a little time in the garden can turn a bad day around? There’s a scientific reason for that — exposure to sunlight helps increase serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that enhances mood and reduces stress. Research also suggests that being surrounded by nature while outside can help better ease symptoms of anxiety and depression. Even something as simple as a walk in the park or popping into the backyard to sit in the sun for a moment or two can help bring more balance and wellness into your life.
2. Promoting Heart Health
Spending time in green spaces has been linked to better cardiovascular health, and outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and newer activities like pickleball can help support a strong heart while making exercise feel like a joy instead of a chore. Regular movement outdoors can further promote cardiovascular health by helping to improve circulation and lower blood pressure, so consider adding some exercise out in natural spaces to your heart health routine.
Related: The Get-Moving Walking Plan for Beginners
3. Improved Sleep Quality
If you’re one of the many people who have trouble falling asleep every night, the answer might be as simple as getting more sunlight during the day. Natural light helps regulate your circadian rhythm, signaling to your body when it’s time to wake up and when it’s time to wind down. Plus, outdoor physical activity like jogging or playing with your pet can promote deeper, more restorative sleep. If you’ve been tossing and turning, a little fresh air might be just what you need.
Try These Tips for Better Sleep
4. Heightened Cognitive Functions
Need a mental refresh? Nature might be the key. Studies have found that time spent in nature can improve working memory, boost creativity, and enhance focus. One hypothesis for these benefits suggests that because our ancestors relied on nature for survival, we have an innate drive to connect with it. The next time you’re brainstorming for a big idea, struggling to focus, or feeling mentally drained, take some time outside and give your brain the refresh it’s looking for.
5. More Opportunity for Social Connections
Nature has a way of bringing people together. From chatting on walks, picnics in the park, community sports, and hiking or biking with friends, there are so many opportunities to connect with others in the great outdoors. And those connections matter, since strong social ties can offer support for our mental and emotional well-being. Community-based outdoor events can foster new relationships and a sense of belonging, while sharing time outside with a loved one can be a great way to bond and stick to your mutual health goals. Spending time out in your neighborhood also allows for more opportunities to get to know your neighbors and connect with them. A friendly wave, a quick hello — these small moments help build stronger, more connected communities. So, the next time you head outside, take a moment to appreciate the people around you.
Related: How to Find New Friends After 65
Step Outside for a Healthier You
A little fresh air can go a long way! Incorporating outdoor time into your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated, as long as you’re finding enjoyable ways to get out and experience the benefits nature has to offer. Take a stroll near where you live, explore a nearby trail, enjoy your lunch break under the open sky, or simply pause to listen to the sounds of the wild animals and the breeze all around you. Breathe in the fresh air, soak up the sunlight, and let the natural world work its wonders! However you choose to spend your time outdoors, your body and mind will thank you.
Looking for more opportunities to boost your health? Join our Healthy Heart Challenge for fun ways to work on your health goals!
