Being outside isn’t just a fun activity. It’s good for your body and your mind. Spending time out in Mother Nature can give you some very real health boosts that will improve your quality of life, whether that involves hanging out on the beach in a slimming swimsuit or going for a hike in the woods. Here are five reasons why you need to spend more time outdoors this summer, plus tips for safely enjoying the great outdoors in the warmer months and beyond.
- It gives you more energy.
If you feel more tired during the shorter winter days, there’s a reason for this. Sunlight and darkness are a major contributing factor to our circadian rhythms. When it’s dark outside, our bodies often think it’s time to go to sleep and start making melatonin, even if it’s early evening. Conversely, sunlight boosts our energy levels and makes us feel more awake. If you’re in need of an energy boost, then try working outside—or better yet, going for a walk. The sunlight will make you feel more alert and awake, even without caffeine.
- It boosts your mood.
Being outside offers a confluence of factors that boost your mood. First of all, the increased alertness often makes you feel more awake and less exhausted, which in turn boosts your mood. Also, if you’re outside, you’re more likely to be physically active, which encourages your brain to release feel-good neurotransmitters such as dopamine. As a result of these combined factors, being outside can act as an instant mood lift that naturally makes you feel better.
- It makes it easier to exercise.
Exercise is good for us, but it can also be a bit of a chore. If you are not a fan of fitness classes or sweating away by yourself in the gym, then you might enjoy exercising outside. Not only will the sun and fresh air give you energy, the ever-changing scenery will help break up the monotony and help the time pass. Running is always a popular option, but you can also don a swimsuit and go kayaking or swimming, or throw on some bike shorts and go cycling. You can also do circuit workouts in a park or attend an outdoor fitness class if you’d rather be guided through moves by an expert instructor.
- It reduces your stress.
Nope, it’s not all in your head. Being outside really does make you feel less stressed. Not only does it release feel-good hormones, being outside also lowers your cortisol, which is a stress hormone that contributes to feelings of tension and anxiety. If you are looking for healthy coping mechanisms for stress, then spending time in the great outdoors is a great way to naturally lower your stress levels and help your cortisol levels return to normal.
- It improves your focus.
We mean this literally and figuratively. If you have difficulty focusing or controlling impulses, then being out in nature can help you calm down and concentrate again. Your brain can only concentrate for so long on a single task, so taking a break and going for a walk will also leave you refreshed when you come back. If you work on a computer, then getting out in nature can also help your eyes focus—literally. For optimal eye health, you need to take frequent breaks to focus on something that isn’t right in front of your face.
While being outside does have many benefits, it isn’t always sunshine and roses. Here are some tips for safely enjoying the great outdoors:
- Always wear sunscreen. Exposure to harmful UV rays doesn’t just lead to a sunburn. Cumulative sun exposure can also speed up aging and heighten your risk for skin cancer. Always wear sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 and, preferably, 50 or higher. Reapply often according to the product directions. Sunscreen isn’t foolproof, so also take steps to limit your UV exposure, such as wearing a hat and staying in the shade during the hottest time of day.
- Choose breathable clothing. Non-breathable clothing can trap sweat, bacteria and other nasties that can lead to irritation and infection. Choose cotton underwear and ladies’ panties that will allow for ventilation instead of trapping sweat close to your most delicate skin. Make sure that your women’s activewear isn’t too tight and won’t cause chafing while you move around.
- Wear bug spray if necessary. Bugs can carry diseases, not to mention that their bites are super annoying. If you are going to be out in an area that is full of bugs, then use bug repellent beforehand to ward off these pesky nuisances. Also, check yourself for ticks and other pests upon returning home.
- Stay hydrated. Being in a hot environment will cause your body to sweat, which will deplete your body’s water reserves faster. Make sure to hydrate with water before, during and after your outdoor excursion, and bring water with you whenever you go outside.
- Educate yourself. Different outdoor environments present different hazards. For example, you might have to worry about riptides at the beach, but that’s not a concern while hiking in the mountains. Learn about potential hazards and prepare accordingly, especially before you visit an environment for the first time.
Keep these five benefits in mind whenever you’re spending time in the great outdoors this summer.