COVID-19 restrictions have domesticated even the most outdoorsy, adventurous among us. How we used to love going for a hike, foraging for berries and engaging warmly with some local fauna.
Lately, the only hike we’ve taken is from bed to living room, the closest we’ve come to foraging is picking up some lettuce from Tescos, and the less said about the variety of wildlife in Zone 2, the better.
But as if by magic (or rather, the incredible work of the NHS), restrictions and the UK’s gloomy weather seem to be lifting simultaneously, and the Great British countryside seems to beckon us out once again. If you needed that little push to get you outdoors and into the sunshine, then read on; here are 5 reasons to spend more time outside this summer (as if you needed an excuse).
EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT
Getting some sun on our skin is critical for our health and wellbeing. We need exposure to the sun in order to produce vitamin D, which plays a vital role in keeping our bones strong and staving off a number of conditions, including depression, osteoporosis, and heart disease.
Of course, it’s important to wear suncream to protect your skin from damaging UV rays that can cause skin cancer and wear sunglasses to shield your eyes, but a little exposure to the sun – when done in a safe, mindful way – is key for staying happy and healthy.
BRING SOME VARIETY TO YOUR EXERCISE ROUTINE
By this point, we all know how important it is for us to stay physically fit and active. Rates of obesity have been steadily rising in the UK for many years, and the condition leads to a higher risk of developing a host of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. While it’s, of course, possible to get exercise indoors, for example, at the gym, it’s often more fun to do so outside.
After a lengthy lockdown and with an exercise routine potentially stagnating, adding some variety and intrigue could give you that extra push you’re seeking. And what better way to add some intrigue and unpredictability than by taking your exercise outdoors and into the elements?
Whether you enjoy playing sports, hitting the skate ramp, or going on an epic bike ride through the woods, spending time outdoors often means you get exercise simply through having fun. Just make sure to get yourself a helmet and padded shorts for skating to prevent any injuries if you fall. Not only are these kinds of outdoor activities good for your physical health, but they can be a fantastic mood booster, too. Speaking of which…
BOOST PRODUCTIVITY, FOCUS & CREATIVITY
Scientific research suggests that spending time out in nature does wonders for our well-being in myriad ways.
Interestingly, more time spent outside has been linked with increased levels of productivity, focus, and creativity, with some studies suggesting that productivity is improved by as much as 45% after just 29 minutes in the great outdoors.
This could be great if you’re struggling to concentrate when working from home – simply take yourself out for a stroll and return to the home office with a renewed sense of vigour.
DESTRESS & IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP
Now the weather has started to warm up and restrictions on spending time outdoors have been lifted, take yourself out for a quiet walk in the countryside and enjoy the stillness of it all! Research suggests that the brain produces more serotonin (the brain’s natural antidepressant) on sunny rather than darker days, and having the sun on your face can bring clarity and encourage self compassion in abundance.
With the evenings are getting lighter, why not endeavour to take your lunch break in a park or enjoy a brisk walk after work through some greenery? Research published by Cornell University in 2020 found that even 10 minutes in a natural setting can lessen the effects of both physical and mental stress, and it’s in those quiet moments that self reflection can occur.
Sunlight also helps us sleep better by regulating our internal body clock, making it great for those who struggle to switch off at night.
GIVE YOUR EYES A REST FROM EXCESSIVE SCREEN USE
We think it would be contrary to write a long paragraph about the dangers of excessive screen use and keep you staring at a screen for longer. Instead, we’ll redirect you here; to the importance of taking regular screen breaks explained.