Can you believe that the average Brit spends around 90% of their day indoors?!
For that reason, we decided to challenge ourselves last week, and spend more time outside.
This is such an important thing to do for your physical and mental wellbeing, especially if you work in an office and spend the majority of the day staring at a screen, just to go home and then watch telly. There is also emerging evidence suggesting that exercising outside can help to increase feelings of regeneration and generally reduce perceived stress.
So, here are 10 reasons to get you outdoors:
1. ENERGY BOOST
Skip the caffeine and get outside! A study has shown that spending just 20 minutes outdoors gives your brain an energy boost, worth the equivalent cup of coffee.
2. EXERCISE
Running, walking, cycling – whatever takes your fancy, get yourself moving; exercise releases endorphins, which are stress reducing hormones. Maybe even try something new, like cheese rolling (it’s a thing).
3. BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
Scientists also think that breathing in phytoncides (chemicals produced by plants) increases levels of white blood cells in our bodies, helping to improve our immune system and fight off unwanted nasties.
4. FREE AROMATHERAPY
Research shows that natural scents like freshly cut grass, roses and pine can make you feel calm and more relaxed.
5. ENHANCED CREATIVITY
If you’re feeling uninspired, ditch your laptop and phone and get outside. Psychologists found that backpackers scored 50 percent higher on creativity tests after spending a few days in the wild without electronics.
6. DAILY DOSE OF VITAMIN D
Vitamin D is essential for a well-functioning body, and humans get at least 90% of it through casual exposure to sunlight. Although vitamin D can be found in some food, like salmon and fortified milk, that’s just not enough.
7. RESTORED FOCUS
Can’t concentrate at work or just need a break? Why not take your lunchbreak and go for a walk in a nearby park, take a minute for yourself and restore your focus.
8. BETTER PEOPLE
Psychologists have found that exposure to nature helps to relieve societal pressures, allowing us to remember and cherish important things like relationships, togetherness and community.
