With its longer days, bright sunshine, budding trees, and blooming flowers, spring almost seems designed to encourage people to get outside. So now that it’s here, if you’ve spent the winter cooped up indoors, why not enjoy some fresh air? You could go for a walk, dine al fresco, enjoy your coffee on the patio, or even play a game with friends outside. However you choose to spend your days, we hope that you’ll consider spending more time outside while the weather is nice. And if you’re skeptical of the importance of nature, scroll down to learn about the benefits of spending time outdoors.
Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors
Increased Levels of Vitamin D
Did you know that your body naturally produces vitamin D when exposed to the ultraviolet B (UVB) rays found in sunlight? For this reason, it’s known as the “sunshine vitamin.” Vitamin D plays a variety of important roles within the body, with research showing that it can help protect against conditions like osteoporosis, depression, heart attacks, and even cancer. People over the age of 65 generate about one-quarter the amount of vitamin D as people in their 20s, making it vitally important that seniors get a daily dose of sunshine.
Elevated Odds of Exercising
Of course, you might just go outside to eat lunch or sit with a book. But in many cases, people go outdoors in order to exercise. Wanting to spend time outside might inspire you to take up some form of exercise as well. For example, you could try walking, hiking, bicycling, golf, gardening, tai chi, yoga, or even bird-watching. Adding exercise to your day is almost always a good idea.
Boosted Mood
Natural light elevates people’s moods, so simply going outside during the day can make you feel a bit happier. It’s also associated with increased focus, positivity, and lower levels of anxiety and stress. In fact, studies have shown that being outdoors can lower levels of cortisol, a hormone that’s a marker for stress. Since exercise is also a mood-booster, you could combine the two to really increase your odds of smiling.
Better Vision
Especially if you spend a lot of time staring at screens indoors (televisions, computers, tablets, phones), going outside can benefit your eye health. It may mitigate blurry vision, double vision, red eyes, and headaches. So if your eyes have been tired and your vision seems blurry, consider taking a little walk outside to give your eyes some relaxation time.
Improved Sleep
Spending time in natural light can help your body’s internal clock stay on track. Early morning sunshine is particularly important, and research suggests this becomes more beneficial as you age. Give your body a healthy helping of natural light each day to keep your internal clock ticking healthily and lessen the likelihood that you’ll experience poor sleep.
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Now that you know the benefits of spending time outdoors, are you itching to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine? So long as the weather cooperates, we encourage you to take advantage of it. Grab your sunglasses, and enjoy some fun in the sun!
Are you looking for a premier assisted living and memory care community in the heart of downtown Greenville, South Carolina? Come visit us at Waterstone on Augusta. Our community is both relaxing and elegant, and we strive to enhance the quality of life of the seniors we serve through teamwork and unity. To learn more about our amenities and to view our lovely community, please schedule a tour online or call us today at 864-605-7236.