Go Outside

Spending time outside can have many benefits for your mental and physical health, including:

Mental health

Being in nature can help reduce stress, anxiety, and anger. It can also improve your mood by releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter that's also found in some antidepressants. Sunlight exposure also helps synthesize vitamin D, essential for mental health. [1, 3, 4]

Physical health

Being outside can help you exercise more, improving your fitness levels. It can also help reduce your risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. [2, 3]

Sleep

Natural light exposure helps regulate your sleep/wake cycles. [1]

Social interaction

Being outside can provide opportunities to socialize with family, friends, or others. [1]

Vitamin D

Sunlight exposure helps your body synthesize vitamin D, which is vital for your bones, blood cells, and immune system. [6]

Healing

Patients who spend time outside during their recovery from illness or surgery may need fewer painkillers, have fewer complications, and experience shorter hospital stays. [7]

Creativity

Playing outside encourages exploration and activates children's natural sense of wonder, curiosity, and creativity. [8]

Citations

[1] https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/3-ways-getting-outside-into-nature-helps-improve-your-health/2023/05

[2] https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/features/wellness-benefits-great-outdoors

[3] https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/spend-time-outdoors-itll-improve-your-health-say-experts/

[4] https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/nature

[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UetXJFpFSdE

[6] https://www.purelifeadventure.com/blog/9-health-benefits-of-being-outdoors-backed-by-science/

[7] https://www.sharp.com/health-news/5-ways-being-outdoors-can-make-you-healthier-and-happier

[8] https://biglifejournal.com/blogs/blog/benefits-of-outdoor-play-less-screen-time