Getting Outdoors

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• https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/a-prescription-for-better-health-go-alfresco

• https://www.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2018/06/062818-article-5-health-benefits-of-spending-time-in-nature.html

• https://www.eehealth.org/blog/2018/08/mastro-how-nature-can-help-us-heal/

• https://lifeworkscc.com/mental-health-benefits-outdoors/

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The health benefits of getting outdoors are valuable for both physical and mental health.

Spending time in the sunlight, mainly exposing your skin to UVB sun rays, enables the body to produce and increase levels of Vitamin D. Vitamin D plays an important role in helping the body absorb calcium and phosphorous, which are necessary for bone growth. Vitamin D also reduces cancer cell growth, helps control infections, and decreases inflammation. Remember, it doesn't take a lot of exposure to the sun to get what you need, and you should always practice sun safety by applying sunscreen.

Research shows that people are more apt to exercise when outdoors. They are more physically active by walking, biking, gardening, and participating in other activities that keep the body in motion. Furthermore, exercise helps people relax, leading to numerous health benefits such as lower blood pressure, lower cortisol levels, and a lower heart rate, ultimately lowering the risk of heart disease and chronic hypertension.

Spending time outdoors in nature on a bright, sunny day helps the brain produce serotonin at higher levels, which links to better mood, lower stress, improved concentration, and creative thinking. Serotonin also reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety since it elevates a person's mood.

Did you know that the body's natural mood stabilizer is serotonin?

Another beneficial reason for enjoying the outdoors is that it promotes faster healing when sick or recovering from sickness. Studies have shown taking the time to unwind by just feeling the fresh air and sunshine around you results in a positive effect on your well-being. Hospitals are creating walking paths, healing gardens, and building balconies so patients can enjoy the world around them.

So get outdoors and reap the health benefits! After all, "Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat."