5 Remarkable Health Benefits of Getting Outdoors

It’s easy to want to stay cooped up inside all day, especially when the weather’s bad. At home you have running water and constant access to your favorite snacks.

With the internet, it’s possible to explore the world from the safety of your couch. But being outdoors is better than looking at a screen.

Not only is getting outdoors fun, but there are incredible health benefits. Let’s take a look at what those are.

Deeper Connection with Nature

Exploring the great outdoors is exciting. The more you discover, the greater appreciation you’ll have for nature.

Taking a trip to the rainforest can be life-changing, but start small. You’ll be surprised by what’s in your backyard or local park.

Take time to smell the roses and listen to the birds. Slow down and appreciate the pace of nature. 

Bad weather shouldn’t be a reason to feel down. A walk in the rain isn’t going to hurt you.

So long as it’s safe, a nighttime stroll is great for stargazing. Looking up at a night sky full of stars is bound to make you feel like a kid again.

Improved Mental Health

Feeling connected to nature has many benefits for your mental health. We live in a stressful world, and your apartment could be more aggravating than you think.

Leave your phone at home when you go for a walk. Being constantly connected to the internet and scrolling through Instagram for hours isn’t healthy.

Fresh air and natural light are proven to help improve your mood. Even spending twenty minutes outside helps reduce your stress hormones.

Here is more information on the science behind how being outdoors can help your mental health.

It’s proven that people who spend more time in nature experience less stress and are less prone to depression and anxiety.

Physical Health Benefits

Try to get out when the sun is shining. Vitamin D levels are important to your physical as well as your mental health.

Physical and mental well-being are more connected than you would think. Having a positive attitude and reducing stress can have major benefits on your health.

The best way to get outdoors is to exercise. Go for a jog or a bike ride. It’s healthier and much more pleasant than working out in the gym.

If exercise isn’t your thing or you can’t put too much physical strain on your body, a walk or a light hike has health benefits.

If you’re the kind of person who usually trains at the gym, switching to the outdoors can be difficult at first. Once you do, you’ll never go back.

Enhanced Experiences

Virtual reality and video games can never match up to the real deal. Sure, they can be fun and entertaining.

But they aren’t as fulfilling and exciting as getting out and seeing nature for yourself.

Many people also claim the outdoors is the best location to try new experiences like smoking weed. Outside, you’re less prone to stress.

Being in a comfortable environment is key to having a positive experience. Here is an article with information about how to get a better high while smoking.

Having an enhanced experience doesn’t necessarily have to involve marijuana. It doesn’t have to involve anything except you and nature.

Being outside enables you to experience nature to its fullest potential.

Meaningful Friendships

Outdoor activities are great for bonding. If you don’t have any friends who want to explore the outdoors with you, check out local walking or hiking groups.

If you’re really dedicated to taking a friendship to the next level, go camping. There’s no better way to get to know someone than by sleeping under the stars.

Outdoor activities are great for families. Your kids will learn more about nature by actually being in nature. Books and nature documentaries can only give so much information.

Even if you explore the outdoors on your own, you might discover new friends. They might not even be human!

Maybe there is a friendly squirrel who lives in a tree near your house.

Conclusion

If this hasn’t persuaded you to get outdoors, get out and try it for yourself! Even if you think you’ve seen all there is to see, you’re bound to discover more.

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