Spending time outside has many benefits to our health and well-being. Nature can help us both physically and mentally, including stress reduction, improved mood, enhanced cognitive function, improved thinking and reasoning, and increased physical activity.
Sunshine, Fresh Air, and Serotonin
Different aspects of being outside have different benefits, such as sunshine and fresh air. Fresh air increases oxygen levels in our brains, raising serotonin levels in our bodies. Our brain also releases serotonin when sunlight hits our skin and eyes. Natural light plays a crucial role in multiple mood-related processes.
The Power of Vitamin D
Sunlight also provides vitamin D, which has many benefits such as;
- Supporting bone and muscle health,
- Regulating blood pressure and blood sugar,
- Kills bacteria and aids in regulating and maintaining the immune system,
- Maintaining the health of your blood vessels,
- Improving the function of the brain,
- Improves sleep quality
Making Time for the Outdoors
Perhaps we feel like our lives are so busy and overstimulated, and that we don’t have time to enjoy the outdoors. However, there are so many different options to embrace nature. Whether it’s standing outside on your front lawn facing the sun for 5 minutes in the morning or going for a 20-minute walk in the park, each are beneficial. Additionally, the way we spend time outside in nature may differ depending on the season and weather conditions.
Examples of Spending Time Outdoors
- Picnic in the park
- Hiking trail
- Bike rides
- Watch the sun rise and/or set
- Sit on your back patio and watch the rain
- Take your dog for a walk
- Read a book under a tree
- Plant a vegetable or flower garden in your yard or on your patio
- Go for a walk with a friend or neighbour
- Park Run on Saturday morning
Local Opportunities in the Toowoomba Region
The Toowoomba region offers so many opportunities for us to enjoy the outdoors. Whether this be mountain bike riding, participating in Park Run on a Saturday or having a picnic in a parks. While we are in Autumn, we still have opportunities to enjoy warm days and spend time outside.
How We Support Outdoor Well-being at MET Phys
At MET Phys, we support our clients in making choices that benefit their health and well-being. We have celebrated with a few clients at their 100th Park Run, been involved in the MS swimathon fundraising event, and encouraged others to explore different activities that involve movement or spending time outside. The choice is yours, but we are here to support you.
How are you going to spend time outside today?
References
- https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/3-ways-getting-outside-into-nature-helps-improve-your-health/2023/05
- https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/environmental/benefits-of-sunlight#:~:text=Sunlight%20provides%20vitamin%20D&text=Regulating%20your%20blood%20pressure,Keeping%20your%20brain%20working%20well
- https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/nature#:~:text=Fresh%20air%2C%20which%20increases%20oxygen,in%20several%20mood%2Drelated%20processes
