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The Importance of Time Spent Outdoors

It’s no secret that spending time outdoors is good for you. A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that spending time in nature can significantly and positively impact your physical, mental, and emotional health. Here are just a few reasons why it’s so important to spend some time outdoors every day.

Physical Health Benefits

There are many physical health benefits associated with spending time outdoors. For example, sunlight helps your body produce vitamin D, essential for strong bones and muscles. Being active in the fresh air also helps improve your cardiovascular fitness and can reduce your risk of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Additionally, it can even energize you. If you’ve been feeling exhausted lately, getting some fresh air might be just what you need to perk up. One study found that people who spent time outside had more energy and were less likely to feel tired than those who didn’t. So next time you’re feeling run down, try taking a break and spending some time outdoors. You might find that it gives you the energy boost you need to make it through the rest of the day.

tree and person silhouette

Mental Health Benefits

In addition to the physical health benefits, many mental health benefits are associated with spending time outdoors. For example, being in nature can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve your mood, and increase your well-being. Spending time outdoors can also help boost your self-esteem and confidence and improve your ability to concentrate. Moreover, it can help you get some sleep.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, spending more time outdoors during the day might help improve your sleep quality at night. One study found that people who spent time outside during the day slept better at night than those who didn’t. So if you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, try spending some time outdoors during the daytime hours.

woman going up steps with fog in back ground

Emotional Health Benefits

Lastly, many emotional health benefits are associated with spending time outdoors. For example, being in nature can help you feel more connected to the world around you and can give you a sense of peace and calm. Nature can also provide a sense of beauty and wonder that can deeply nourish your soul.

So there you have it! These are just a few of the many reasons why it’s so important to spend some time outdoors every day. So if you’re not already making time for outdoor activities, make today the day you start! If the pandemic makes it hard for you to spend time outdoors, why not bring the outdoors to your home? Here are ways you can do that.

person hiking with baby in carrier on back

Improve Your Backyard

One way to bring the outdoors in is by improving your backyard. Here are three significant additions to your backyard for some outdoor activities.

Patio

The most affordable option for you is a patio. A patio is a great place to spend some time outside in the fresh air, either by reading a book or simply taking in the beauty of your backyard. A patio is built using materials like wood, bricks, or concrete. If you want to add shade, consider installing robust, clear corrugated sheets as a roof. These sheets can let the sun in without exposing you to its harmful rays.

Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor kitchen is an excellent addition to your backyard if you love to cook. An outdoor kitchen can help you get fresh air while preparing delicious meals for your family and friends. It can be as simple as installing a grill and a few pots on a table, or it can be fancier with a refrigerator and full-size kitchen appliances.

Garden

Another great addition to your backyard is a garden. A garden can help you get in touch with nature and provides a space to grow plants and flowers for cooking or decoration. You can choose from different options when it comes to gardening, from container gardens on your patio to tall raised beds. A garden can also offer an ideal space for leisurely activities like lounging on a hammock, listening to the birds, and stargazing.

feet in air from trampoline

Choose Your Hobby

Once you’ve expanded your backyard, it’s time to choose your favorite hobby. For example, consider running, cycling, or hiking if you love being active. You can even picnic with friends or family in your backyard and enjoy delicious food while soaking up the sunshine.

Whatever activity you choose for your outdoor time, spend some days outdoors to reap all the benefits of nature. After all, your health and well-being are worth it!

The outdoors is a great place to spend some time each day, as it offers a range of benefits for your mind and body. These benefits include reduced stress, better sleep quality at night, and improved emotional health. Whether you hike, picnic with friends and family, or enjoy another outdoor hobby, there are plenty of ways to get outdoors and reap the benefits. So what are you waiting for? Get outside and start reaping the benefits of nature today!

 

About Julee: Julee Morrison is an experienced author with 35 years of expertise in parenting and recipes. She is the author of four cookbooks: The Instant Pot College Cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens, The Complete Cookbook for Teens, and The Complete College Cookbook. Julee is passionate about baking, crystals, reading, and family. Her writing has appeared in The LA Times (Bon Jovi Obsession Goes Global), Disney's Family Fun Magazine (August 2010, July 2009, September 2008), and My Family Gave Up Television (page 92, Disney Family Fun August 2010). Her great ideas have been featured in Disney's Family Fun (Page 80, September 2008) and the Write for Charity book From the Heart (May 2010). Julee's work has also been published in Weight Watchers Magazine, All You Magazine (Jan. 2011, February 2011, June 2013), Scholastic Parent and Child Magazine (Oct. 2011), Red River Family Magazine (Jan. 2011), BonAppetit.com, and more. Notably, her article "My Toddler Stood on Elvis' Grave and Scaled Over Boulders to Get to a Dinosaur" made AP News, and "The Sly Way I Cured My Child's Lying Habit" was featured on PopSugar. When she's not writing, Julee enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new baking recipes.
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