Get outside- for your own good!

      Summer’s here and it´s time to get outside!  Not only for all that fun and sun- but to enjoy all that nature has to offer to our overall Health and Wellness.  Spending time in nature (just 20 minutes a day!) can benefit all areas of our health- in ways you may not have thought of!

 

According to the article “The influence of urban green environments on stress relief measures: A field experiment”. (Journal of Environmental Psychology, Volume 38, June 2014, Pages 1-9), the authors found that, subjects’ perceived stress was less after spending time in green environments- even after a short time!  This is good news for those of us on the run!  They also found decreased levels of cortisol, a stress- reaction hormone, in subjects who spent time in green environments.  Chronic stress can cause an imbalance of cortisol levels which can affect heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar balance and sleep patterns (that can affect mood and therefore our relationships with family and friends).  High levels of cortisol, over time, are associated with a cloudy-headed feeling, impaired cognitive function (can affect school/work tasks), decreased muscle mass and slow wound healing (not good for preventing injury and illness!).  Who wants that???

 

Harvard Health Letter reports that getting outside may prove to have many health benefits including:

è Higher vitamin D levels which helps to prevent illness.

è You’re normally more physically active outside.

è You´ll be happy! Light tends to elevate people’s mood- you’ll feel and BE nicer to those around you!

è You´ll be able to concentrate better.  Studies have found that kids with Attention Deficit Disorder concentrate better after a walk in a green area.

è You may heal faster.  The University of Pittsburgh has reported quicker recoveries and less need for pain medication in spinal surgery patients who were exposed to natural light.

 

SO?  What are you waiting for??  GET OUTSIDE! FOR YOUR OWN GOOD!