When this time of the year comes, the weather gets cold and you may tend to desire to lock yourself inside Chesterfield for the whole of winter. Yes, it’s cold, but going outside is important. Always staying indoors is bad for your mental and physical health as proven by research. So, if you are sheltering in place, make it a point to get fresh air and sunlight every day. Here are 5 more reasons to dress warm and head out for the cold.
1. Daylight boosts your mood.
Moderate exposure to sunlight makes you happier. Sunlight produces more serotonin, a natural chemical in the brain that makes you feel good. Natural light is good for your mood. Natural light is scarce during the winter so you need to go outside to maximize its effect. If going far is not an option, being on your porch, balcony, or yard on a sunny day will do the trick.
2. Sunlight helps prevent disease.
Your body creates and activates vitamin D when sunlight hits your skin. Studies have shown that a lack of vitamin D can lead to a wide range of serious mental and physical health issues, from depression to osteoporosis. Even if you just spend a little time in the sun, you would greatly increase your body’s ability to fight diseases like cancer or fend off heart attacks.
3. Spending time outdoors can improve your memory.
Walking outdoors also gives your memory muscles a good workout. Do these walks in the park or in places where natural scenery is abundant. Based on studies, interacting with nature helps improve recall by 20%, a phenomenon not achieved by walking in city streets. Have limited access to green spaces? Don’t worry, just continue doing your physical activity outdoors as this still helps fight stress and improve concentration.
4. Going outside is good exercise.
The path to a healthier lifestyle starts with cutting time spent on the couch or the kitchen. That means that people who spend more time outdoors get more exercise. Even a brisk walk around the block or the local park can make a big difference in your physical strength and endurance. That’s why it is important to know your favorite outdoor activity and to be able to do it all year round.
5. Sunlight boosts your immune system.
Do you catch a cold or get a case of flu almost every winter? You might not be getting the much-needed dose of the sun during these months. Research has shown that spending time outdoors improves your immunity due to the lowering of your stress hormones. It is a myth that the cold will let you catch a cold. You can in fact prevent seasonal illnesses when you do physical activities outside since the bacteria gets flushed away from your airways.
You may need to keep yourself warm, but go outside and let the winter sun do wonders for your body.
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