Research shows that most Americans spend about 93% of their time indoors. Think about that for a minute - you are only outdoors for about 7% of your life. Yes, you need to work, sleep, clean your house, and do other things inside. However, you have to wonder if we are making the right priorities. Many of you are overstressed, overworked, too tired, too anxious and too depressed too much of the time. There are lots of healthy changes to can make to recapture your peace of mind, and often your happiness. I am a big believer in slowing down, in meditation, and in positive thinking. And for those super ambitious workaholics, slowing down and putting YOU first, does equal a better quality of work and increased productivity.
In addition to meditation, positive thinking, and slowing down, add in more time outdoors. There are so many benefits of making time to be outdoors. Studies have shown that being outdoors is good for the mind and the body. This is especially true in the colder months when you are in great need of fresh air and Vitamin D. You can create a great outdoor space with comfy seating, a fire pit, a bit of greenery, and even outdoor fencing for your private oasis. And this year, please make a bit of outdoor living a priority, even in the winter. Not only does being outside make is safer to socialize, but it will boost your spirits too.
Feeling Happier
Think about this last year for a moment. With the COVID-19 pandemic, so many people were stuck in their homes. They didn’t see their friends or most of their family for a long time. If this was the case for you, how did that make you feel? Maybe it caused you to be depressed or feel isolated. It might have caused you to feel anxious or stressed out. It doesn’t have to be this way. Research shows that being outdoors can make you feel happier. You can be outdoors by yourself and feel much better than if you are cooped up in your house. However, if you get some of your friends or family members (even while social distancing) and spend time outside, you can reenergize a bit and feel even happier. To stay warm, bring out a propane heater or fire pit. You may want to get some firepit benches and sit around a campfire singing songs and laughing.
Improving Memory
Studies have also shown that being outdoors can help to improve memory. This is especially the case with short-term memory. If you are worried about losing your memory in the future - or maybe it even seems like you are forgetting things now - getting outdoors will help. Even going for a short walk outside can help to improve focus, attention span, and memory.
Relieve Stress
With all that this year has thrown at us, it is understandable that you might be feeling super stressed. You don’t have to go into next year, holding onto all of that stress. One of the best things you can do to get rid of that built-up stress is to go outside. Spending time outdoors can help to get rid of stress quickly. In fact, research shows that being outdoors can relieve stress just as well as meditation can, sometimes even better. Even in the winter you can hang out by the campfire, outdoor fireplace, or fire pit to stay warm. It might be a good idea to invest in a firepit bench to put on your patio or in your yard. You can spend some time sitting on that bench, just enjoying nature, stargazing, and laughing with friends.
Less Inflammation
There are so many adults who suffer from inflammatory conditions. Even those who don’t have an inflammatory condition, often have some inflammation in their body. Some of the things that cause this inflammation include the foods we eat, things we drink, not getting enough physical activity, and stress. If you have chronic pain or discomfort, you could have inflammation in your body. One of the best ways to get rid of that inflammation is to get outdoors regularly. Research shows that being outdoors helps to reduce inflammation. The main reason for this is because it lowers blood pressure, heart rate, and stress levels.
Boost Your Energy
When sitting indoors all the time, you likely find that you don’t have much energy. You might think you need a nap or have to go to bed early. If you are tired of constantly feeling fatigued or exhausted, you need a way to boost your energy. One of the best ways to do this is by going outside. Just breathing in the fresh air for a few minutes can be enough to give you the energy you need to get through your day. The fresh air can even do more than that. It can give you the energy you need to actually enjoy your day.
Boost Vitamin D Levels
We all know that Vitamin D is something that we need. It helps to keep our bones strong, regulate our immune systems, and keep us healthier overall. One of the best ways for you to boost your Vitamin D levels is by getting outside every day. Even if you are only outside for 15 minutes a day, this can help to improve your Vitamin D levels.
Improve Your Brain Function
When you spend too much time indoors, you likely find yourself in a funk. Maybe you can’t think clearly. You might find that you can’t concentrate or focus. However, you might be surprised to find out that being outdoors can help to improve your brain functions. It can improve your creativity, focus, concentration, and even your mental clarity. Give it a try today and see if it works for you.
Fight Off Illnesses
Another great benefit of being outdoors is that it helps to build up your immune system. When you are outdoors you are exposing your body to various germs and allergens. This doesn’t mean you should go around sick people. It just means that you should give your immune system the chance to fight off these things are outdoors. This way, when you come into contact with them later on, your body will be able to keep you healthier.
Conclusion
These are some of the many benefits of being outdoors. If you would like to reap these benefits in your own life, no matter the reason, you can do that. Whether you get a firepit bench to sit on, go for a hike, walk with a friend, or do other outdoorsy activities, being outside can have tremendous benefits to your mind, emotional state, and body. For more ideas to make your home better indoors and out, please check out Uneedum's Lovin the Outdoors collection.
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Remember to have fun, be good to yourself, and keep the balance. We want to make all your spaces happy places!
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