I know a lot of people who spend the majority of their lives indoors. It happens naturally, right? Most jobs happen indoors and then when we get home we make meals and rest at home. But there are a lot of benefits to spending some time outside.
The first and most obvious benefit is sunlight. Although it has been proven that tanning and being in the summer sun unprotected isn’t all that great, getting “some” sun will help trigger the body’s production of Vitamin D and has also been shown to help prevent myopia in younger children.
Being outside will help with mental health and has been shown to reduce stress levels. Once outside, people will also tend to be more physical and exercise more. It also allows children o be more physically active, as they have access to space and play structures not available within the house. (For us parents, it also helps to maintain our sanity)
The majority of these benefits apply to adults, as well. I know a lot of fitness buffs who exercise, work out and stay in good shape but practically never go outdoors. I’m a firm believer that exercise is exercise; the benefits will happen regardless. That being said, adding the outdoors aspect will add to those benefits. Today, my family and I cycled to the nearest park, then my son played on the structures for almost an hour before we cycled back home.
So, get outside! The weather is getting nicer and summer is fast approaching. Whether you start with a simple walk or go for a jog or hop on the bike… You can’t go wrong.
The Blogging Buddhist 