Outdoor Health Benefits

In a recent article published by USA Today, reports claim that being outdoors can improve health in more way than one. 

Richard Louv, an advocate of being outdoors states, “Pediatricians are telling me they are not seeing many broken bones in kids anymore. What they are seeing are repetitive stress injuries from using computers and mice.” Additionally, Louv says obesity can be a side effect of an indoor life.

To help parents and children better connect with an active, outdoor lifestyle, USA Today wrote up a ‘prescription’ to try this summer. Here are three of our favorite suggestions for a healthier summer:

Try exercising outside more. Studies actually prove that those who exercise outdoors are more likely to stick with it than those who workout inside. And exercise outdoors doesn’t have to be limited to running or doing push-ups. Louv suggests building a tree house or going on a hike. Other activities could include riding bikes, jumping on a trampoline or swimming.

Spend time in the sun (with sunscreen). Sun exposure for at least 10-15 minutes a day stimulates your body to make its own vitamin D and improves bone health. Additionally, the National Sleep Foundation claims exposure to morning sunlight can help you sleep better at night.

Take a walk. If you are feeling stressed, try taking a walk outside. Victoria Maizes, executive director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona-Tucson states, “Being outside seems to tap into the relaxation side of our nervous system and does it in as little as five minutes.”