Getting Outdoors 19th August 2019
We all know the saying “a bit of fresh air will do you good” but do you know how it does that? Well this blog is going to cover just that! We will cover the benefits both physically and mentally and give you some tips on how to get outside without it being too inconvenient.
Walking can be a form of gentle exercise helping to lubricate our joints, strengthen our muscles and burn calories. Alongside this getting outside can also reduce inflammation and blood pressure. It does this by increasing our blood flow and promoting the movement of other fluids within the body. Being outside will also help to programme your “internal body clock” with the natural rise and fall of the sun allowing you to get better quality sleep and therefore recovering better. The sun also gives us Vitamin D, a major contributor to our mood and energy levels. Would you believe that a staggering 20% of the UK are Vitamin D deficient leaving them feeling tired and sluggish.
The mental benefits of getting outside are just as impressive as the physical. Being outside has been proven to reduce stress and improve productivity by giving us time to think calmly and clearly, free from distraction and noise. Those who spend time in nature have also been found to feel happier and are less at risk of suffering from anxiety or depression.
Now we know what you are going to say, you don’t have the time to go skipping through fields, so here are 3 tips to make it easier for you.
- Get off that phone and prioritise your health! In 2018 the UK population averaged 1 hour 50 minutes each day on social media alone! That is more than 12hrs a week! Think about all those things “we never have time for” that we could do in those 12 hours. Make getting outdoors one of them.
- Make it fun, take the family with you. In Stoke we are lucky to have so many nature reserves and national trusts on our doorstep, have a quick search on google maps and find your nearest one.
- Going outside on your lunch break. This is a great one because it is a set time every day that you can use and make into a routine whilst also giving you a break from the work environment, the noise and stresses, leaving you ready to start again afterwards feeling happy, motivated and productive.
