Do you want a happier, more relaxed life? Do you want to stay zen even when everything is chaotic around you?
There’s a simple solution to get that relaxed life you crave.
Get outside.
How often do you go outside to be outside—not just to walk to your car or to the office? We’ve become so accustomed to a comfortable indoor lifestyle that we all forget to stop and smell the roses—literally.
Nature is one of the most beautiful parts of life. Connecting with our world is critical to health and happiness—and even some scientific studies say so!
Here’s why you should be enjoying the great outdoors more often:
- Your stress can decrease.
You’re sitting in your office, stressed out and anxious. You go for a quick walk around the block and it feels like that stress instantly melts away. When you return to the office, you have a clearer head and you’re ready to take on that stressor.
That’s because getting outdoors can actually reduce our stress levels. One study found that people who take nature walks report lower levels of stress on average. A different study found that walking through greenery puts you in a meditative state that can reduce stress.
- You’ll get your vitamin D.
Vitamin D is the only vitamin your body can’t make on its own. A lot of Americans are deficient in vitamin D.
Getting just ten minutes in the sun can give you almost all of your vitamin D needs for the day! You’ll feel refreshed and revitalized, and your body will have more juice to get through the day.
Note: Don’t stay in the sun for more than 10 minutes unexposed. A few minutes can give you enough vitamin D, and then you want to protect yourself with SPF, clothing, or shade so you don’t do damage to your skin.
- You’ll exercise more.
When you get outside, your body is more inclined to move. Whether going on a walk with your dog, hitting the hiking trails, or just playing around, sunlight tends to make people more physically active.
Getting outside is a great way to exercise without even realizing you are exercising because you’ll be having too much fun!
- You’ll sleep better.
Your sleep has a lot to do with the light you see during the day. We are controlled by circadian rhythms, which is when the brain knows to be awake in the light and asleep in the dark. If you don’t get any natural light during the day, your sleep cycle can get confused—especially if you spend the entire day looking at blue light on a computer or phone screen.
Natural sunlight can help set our internal clock naturally, so you can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Plus, more exercise during the day helps use up your energy reserves and rebalance your body so you can better fall asleep at night.
- You’ll have more energy.
Less stress, more oxygen, more vitamin D, better sleep, and exercise all help rejuvenate your body. You’ll easily find that a few minutes outside can give you a burst of energy that you just can’t seem to find indoors.
Reaching for a cup of coffee? Take a walk instead for a healthier, more natural, and more sustainable energy boost that will make you productive all day long.
- You’ll be happier.
All of these impacts together can actually make you a happier and healthier person. Scientists have suggested that being outside actually boosts serotonin levels, which are the “feel good” hormones.
Studies show that sun exposure had a direct correlation to happiness levels regardless of the season.
Conclusion
Getting outside will make you more you. You’ll be happier, less stressed, more productive, and a more radiant person in general.
Take your life to the next level by getting into nature. At Tree of Life, trees really do give us life!