OUTSIDE: It’s a Health Factor

There is an appeal to being inside … AC (or heat), a warm fireplace on a chilly night, binging a great TV series (currently, I am rewatching Hogan’s Heroes, yes I am!) Maybe it’s the comfortable bed or the cozy blanket on a soft sofa. Maybe it’s the ease to grab a bite from a stocked kitchen. But I need to get outside, you need to get outside.

((Here are randomly some of my outdoor pics on my phone – I loved swatting bubbles with the Samson!!))

I recently looked online for medical doctors inout on health benefits to getting outdoors. The following insights are from WebMD and Healthline. Here are some true health benefits to getting outdoors …

• The benefits of exercise.
  • you don’t need a gym or expensive equipment, though nothing wrong with these, but how about a hike up and down a mountain trail, or biking the wooded paths alongside a scenic lake, or scaling a rocky wall along the north face of a cliff somewhere.
• Vitamin D not from a pill … straight from the Sun!!
• Release of anxiety
  • calming and positive vibes from birds chirping, water splashing and less pulls on your attention
  • even better if in a no-reception for your phone area
  • reduces depression symptoms … especially if out repeatedly
• Improves sleep cycle
  • simply by being worn out
  • something about direct sunlight helps your internal clock recognize night time
• Better breathing
  • getting actual fresh air and away from the concentrated air pollution
  • do you realize air pollution is worse inside
• Helps your mind be motivated for other exercise routines
  • maybe it’s to be better prepared for the next outing (like better on walking UP and DOWN a hill with less gasping for air)
  • getting your body moving in one area will motivate to move in another area
• Boosted immune function
  • getting muddy can help you develop stronger immune system
• Better self-image
  • releases unwanted and painful emotions
  • even better if outside in a green space or water
  • interestingly, relaxed activities are more efficient than high intensity activities
• Helps keep a healthier weight
  • 20-30 minutes a day, before noon actually better than afternoon
• Forest Bathing
  • no, not taking a water bath, but immersing yourself in a forest area
  • improves physical and mental health (Shinrin Yoku)
  • boost energy, strengthen immune system, and more
  • quicker recovery from illness

What is the point? Outside is more than just fun, it’s good for you. Healthy – physical, emotional and social.

So now, I need to see if insurance will pay for my hiking gear.