Getting outside for some exercise improves not only your health, but your mood as well. On average, people spend an astonishing 87% of their lives indoors. Between work, spending time in your home and commuting, there is little opportunity to be outdoors. However, outdoor exercise is proven to have positive impacts on your health. So get out there and reconnect with nature, it’s good for you.

Here are some reasons why it is so important to find time to get outside:

Reduce Stress and Depression

Exercising outside has been proven to reduce stress and depression. Not only is exercise great for managing stress, but exercising outside adds additional benefits. When you are more connected with nature, it allows you to be more present and calm. Additionally, working out in green outdoor areas has proven to lower stress even further – leading to decreased tension, anger and frustration.

Increases Vitamin D Levels

Spend some time in the sunshine! Exercising outside increases your vitamin D levels which in turn helps maintains bone health, supports the immune system, regulates insulin levels and supports cardiovascular health.

Improves Energy Levels

A study from the University of Rochester found that by spending twenty minutes outside can increase your energy levels as much as drinking a cup of coffee. Increase your energy the natural way by getting outside.

Enhances Focus

In a recent study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, it was found that children with ADHD were able to concentrate more after a twenty minute walk in a park. If you’re having trouble concentrating, try going for a walk to refresh and recharge.

 

You know how great it feels to be outdoors and spend time in nature. I hope that after reading this information, that you’ll make it more of a priority to spend at least 10 to 15 minutes outside per day. Not only will it help re-frame everything going on in your life, but it will also give you a needed pause and time to sort out your thoughts and feeling about what’s going on in your life.

Take time to reconnect with nature and yourself, your mental well-being will benefit and you’ll feel a little more relaxed and easeful.