Spring is fast approaching! This lovely season in Florida is the perfect time to start spending more time outdoors. For many of us who work indoors, it might require a bit more effort and planning to make sure that we get enough fresh air and natural light. A typical schedule during the week might include eight hours in an office, a drive home, and then an evening indoors. Perhaps mixed in that timeline, you pick up your children from school or their extracurricular activities and or you exercise at an indoor gym or studio.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American spends 93% of their life indoors! The scientifically-proven health benefits of spending time outdoors and in nature are quite vast. To receive these benefits, you don’t even necessarily need to make a grand effort. Spending time in any type of greenspace can benefit your overall health and wellness in over a dozen ways.
These benefits include reduced inflammation, improved short-term memory, lowered stress levels, increased energy, lessened symptoms of depression and anxiety, decreased blood pressure, boosted immune system, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and type II diabetes; heightened concentration, increased creativity, and a reduction in pain in the body. Spending time outdoors is also a surefire way to get your daily dose of vitamin D, which many of us are deficient in.
Ready to spend more time outdoors?
Here are some easy ways to work some outdoor-time into your daily schedule.
- Enjoy your morning beverage on your patio or balcony
- Dine al fresco
- Exercise outside
- Take an extra or an extra-long walk with your dog (Your dog will definitely appreciate this effort.)
- Create an outdoor ritual
- Pursue an outdoor hobby (running, tennis, swimming, biking, nature photography, hiking-the possibilities are endless!)
- Plan an outdoorsy vacation
- Take an after-dinner bike ride
- Watch the sunrise or sunset
- Build a garden (If you don't have the greenest thumb or don't have a lot of outdoor space, the Tower Garden is a great option! Dr. Blake or Honi can tell you more about it if you are interested. They are both experienced Tower Gardeners.)
- Walk or bike instead of driving when possible