5 Benefits of Being Outdoors

The feeling of freedom (including mental freedom) induced by being in contact with nature and the sunshine releases endorphins that contribute to improved mood and positivity; it dampens anger and aggression, leading us to general emotional well-being.
In addition to this, giving our brains a respite from daily and often excessive stimulation (stress) through increased oxygenation helps it improve concentration and attention levels, even benefiting creativity.
Spending part of our time in green, peaceful environments surrounded by nature brings many benefits such as the ability to reflect on ourselves while appreciating the silence around us and finding the solution to problems to achieve serenity.

This article will tell you about some of the most important benefits of being outdoors.

1. Boost Your Vitamin D

Nature helps you to find tranquility, energy, and serenity and strengthens the immune system, especially thanks to the sun which helps our body to synthesize more vitamin D, very important because it helps to reduce inflammation and to strengthen our immune system.

Vitamin D is important for bones, blood cells, and the immune system. It also helps the body absorb more of certain minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus. The body needs sunlight to produce it, but it doesn’t need much. In summer, sunbathing for 5 to 15 minutes, 2 or 3 times a week, is sufficient. In winter, you may need a little more. As soon as you get a chance, lie in the sun and enjoy a few minutes of rest – you deserve it!

2. It Makes You Happier

Even just 5 minutes of outdoor activity can help improve your self-esteem. This is especially true if you are near water or in a green environment. And it is not high-intensity exercise that yields the best results. More relaxed activities such as a walk, a bike ride, or working in the garden seem to work even better.

3. Mens Sana in Corpore Sano

Spending time outdoors helps maintain a healthy weight. Time spent outdoors helps you be more active and sleep better. Both of these help burn calories. But getting outdoors in the morning can help keep you from gaining weight. Partly because the light helps balance sleep and energy consumption.

It takes 20-30 minutes between 8 a.m. and 12 noon to make a difference, but the earlier you do it, the better it works. More and more people to this day are choosing to bike to work. Commuting by ebike is like a mini-workout in itself. So if you bike to work in the morning, you will arrive bright-eyed, bushy-haired, and ready to tackle the day.

4. Decreases Levels of Stress and Anxiety

Even a simple plant in the room, or images of nature, can make you feel less anxious, angry, and stressed. But it’s best to get out of the room and go outside. Exercise is also good for anxiety. But it is even better if you do it outdoors rather than in the gym. Sunlight helps keep serotonin levels high. This helps increase energy and keep the mood calm, positive, and focused.

At Linky Innovation, we filled the office with plants, and I can assure you that the team’s mood is definitely affected for the better!

5. Increases Creativity

Do you have a thorny problem you can’t find a solution for? Do you have writer’s block? Spend some time outdoors. Studies show that time spent in nature can increase creative problem-solving abilities. This is partly because the outdoor environment engages our attention in a quieter way, allowing us to refocus. The more time spent, the greater the benefits, but even just “getting out for some air” can push the brain into a new pattern of thinking.

Wrapping Up

If you have ever started a bike ride feeling a little grumpy, but ended up with a smile on your face, you have already experienced the endorphin bonus of this outdoor activity. In fact, numerous studies have shown that the mental health benefits of bicycling go beyond mere exercise.

You might point out that any form of physical activity helps manage stress, anxiety, and depression, but we remind you that the best kind of exercise is the kind you do regularly. So if you are as obsessed with cycling as we are, you will be grateful for any excuse to add a bike ride to your daily routine. Might we suggest taking a break from work to go for a ride around the block or choosing to bike to run your errands rather than drive? Just keep pedaling!

What is your favorite outdoor activity? how does it make you feel? let us know in the comments section below! 🙂