Here are a few health benefits of getting outside:
Eye Health– Getting outside can improve your eye health Do you work on a computer for a living? Do you watch TV when you’re not working? If so, you’re at risk of developing the symptoms associated with Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). CVS can be caused by staring at a screen close to your face for prolonged periods. Symptoms include: blurred vision, double vision, red eyes, eye irritation, headaches, and neck or back pain. Getting outside and focusing on objects that are more than two feet from your face can help to prevent and even reverse these symptoms.
Artificial Light may contribute to Nearsightedness. New research is showing that our increased exposure to artificial light may be having a negative impact on nearsightedness. A 2007 study of children of nearsighted parents that spent at least two hours per day outdoors were four times less likely to be nearsighted than those who spent less than one hour per day outside. Artificial light is the problem, natural light is the solution.
If your eye sight is starting to get worse, get outside.
Improve Sleep– Our sleep patterns are regulated by an internal body clock called the circadian rhythm. Our circadian rhythms are naturally tied to the sun’s schedule. Spending too much time inside – away from natural light and with increased exposure to artificial light, can alter our circadian rhythms and disrupt our sleep
Those who perform shift-work or travel frequently are also subject to having their natural circadian rhythms disrupted. Early morning exposure to sunlight has been shown to help recalibrate these sleep cycles
If you are not sleeping well, get outside!
Grounding or “Earthing”, which results from bare skin contact on a natural surface (dirt, sand, grass). The theory states that because the earth is negatively charged- and has a greater negative charge than your body- we absorb earth’s electrons. The rubber soles of our shoes prevent this absorption of electrons from occurring. According to a study reported in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, grounding can have an intense anti-inflammatory and energizing effect on the body.
If you want to feel the energy of earth, get outside and walk in the grass barefoot.
Exercise– Most people enjoy exercising outside more than inside- and if you enjoy it more, you are more likely to keep doing it on a regular basis. Even a light walk has immense health benefits, especially contrasted with sitting- which has been referred to as the smoking of our generation. Sitting too much results in impaired fat burning capacity, decreased bone density, increased blood pressure, and a shortened life span. Conversely, exercise can help prevent or improve heart disease, strokes, type II diabetes, obesity, back pain, osteoporosis, and a host of psychological disorders.
If you want to live longer, get outside.
Mental Health– there are many beneficial effects getting outside can have on our mental wellbeing. Spending time in nature has been linked to improved attention spans, and boosts in serotonin- which makes us feel better mentally. Being outside also increases activity in the sections of the brain responsible for empathy, emotional stability, and love.
If you’re feeling down, get outside.
Immune System– Get outside for more natural Vitamin D, which is essential to maintaining a healthy immune system. Those who don’t get enough Vitamin D are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. Getting enough sunlight has also been linked with the prevention of diabetes, auto immune disorders, multiple sclerosis, and heart disease.
If you want your body to function properly, get outside.
Remember to keep your regularly scheduled Chiropractic appointments as well. Regular spinal adjustments are also good for your immune system. One of my previous blogs was about just that: https://www.performancehealthcenter.com/?s=immune+system&submit=Search
If you have any questions about this blog or about your health in general, please feel free to contact me at: [email protected]