When was the last time you were outside?
We don’t mean walking from your house to the car. We mean really being out in nature—enjoying the sights, sounds and scents, feeling the natural rhythms and the breeze on your skin.
Hopefully, you have been outside this way recently. However, those of us who prefer the indoors, have limited mobility or live where the weather is more extreme, may find it tough to get outside.
Although it may feel like a hurdle, the benefits of spending time outdoors may sway you.
Besides lowering blood pressure, reducing stress hormone levels and improving mood and focus, outdoor time provides a change of scenery that can spark creativity.
A little sunshine can increase serotonin and vitamin D, help you sleep better and reduce everyday aches and pains.
Time in nature might even reduce your recovery time after an injury or surgery.
Convinced? If you’re ready to venture out more but aren’t sure where to start, read on for four simple reasons to get outside today.
1. Gardening & lawn maintenance
Planting and tending a garden forges a connection to nature and brings it close.
One study found that gardeners over 50 experience benefits like increased overall health, happiness, flexibility and cognitive ability.