With the nicer, warmer weather preparing to show its face and the beautiful spring flowers in bloom we can’t help it but want to spend more time outside.
The benefits of getting out and about in the fresh air are endless, even if its just in your hour lunch break or walking to work instead of driving, you will feel better for it.
STRESS & MENTAL HEALTH
Natural light and fresh air can have a wonderful effect on our moods. Natural sunlight boosts serotonin production which helps our brains to regulate our moods and feel more upbeat and happier. Even just a small amount of natural light helps to re energise us and pick up our moods.
When we are stressed our bodies release the hormone cortisol and being out in the fresh air helps to reduce this. With the lower cortisol levels we feel calmer and our muscles relax, our heart rates and blood pressure lowers.
Screen breaks result in higher overall satisfaction, if we make sure to take regular breaks to go outside, even for a short time, we will feel the benefits. Getting away from the home pollutants like hairspray, perfume, paints, cleaning products etc will also help which is why keeping your room well ventilated is beneficial.
LURGY’S
Fed up with catching every cold under the sun? Get yourself some fresh air, being outdoors can help your immune system function to the best of its ability. Living in completely sterile environments isn’t good for us so we need to open ourselves up to ‘safe’ amounts of microorganisms to help prepare our immune systems for the more dangerous infections it may come across. Your body will be able to recognise what is a threat and what is not.
When you are outside you can unwind and recharge so it’s important to build outdoor time into our days to make our bodies and minds healthier.
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