5 Reasons Why Being Outside Is Good for Your Health

You’ve probably heard it said before that being outside is good for your health, but do you really know what that means and why? The good old outdoors isn’t just about wide-open space and adventure, there are countless mental and physical benefits to being in the outdoors in any capacity. If you are looking for a natural medicine that’s easily accessible and benefits you physically, mentally and emotionally, then this information is just for you.

Here are what I consider the top 5 reasons why being outside is good for your health… 

lowers your blood pressure and connects you with mother earth.

While the benefits of being outside vary depending on what outdoor activity you’re participating in, studies have shown that walking in the forest, specifically, can actually lower your blood pressure. Several studies have shown that a simple, easy walk in the forest lowers your pulse and also your blood pressure, which seems like no surprise considering you are moving your body and exposing yourself to nature. So, go on a walk in the woods! Not only will you be able to soak in the true beauty of the nature around you, but you’ll feel better while and after doing it. I’d call that a win-win!

reduces stress and promotes happiness.

It may seem hard to believe, but being outside actually reduces stress. Being exposed to the outdoors for any amount of time, but preferably extended periods, reduces your heart-rate and decreases the level of cortisol, most commonly known as “the stress hormone,” in your body. Whether you’re exercising outside by going on a long hike, or simply camping out with your friends and relaxing by the fire, the exposure to the outdoors naturally reduces your stress and bring you feelings of inner peace and calm. 

 On top of reducing stress, being outside just makes you feel happy. You don’t need science to tell you that when you spend time outside, you feel pure joy in the moment and even more-so after you’re done. Whether it’s going with your friends on a quick walk, or on a long hike, you never regret being outside. Breathing in the crisp, fresh air and feeling the sun and breeze on your face is a feeling unlike anything the indoors can compare to. Being outside brings an incomparable sense of happiness and joy, and all you have to do is step out of your front door! It almost seems too good to be true.

neutralizes the positive ions in your body.

Have you ever heard of grounding or earthing? It’s essentially the act of becoming connected to the earth again. We walk through life, stuck in our own daily routines and general state of “busy”, often forgetting to just touch the ground. Something as simple as taking your shoes off and standing in the grass for even a few minutes, can improve your state of being immensely. 

Connecting your body to the ground in some way, whether it’s walking barefoot, sitting on the ground in the sun, or laying outside at night star-gazing, will transfer the Earth’s electrons from the ground into your body. The earth restores negative ions in your body, which neutralize the positive ions that you receive all day and night through chemicals, technology and other external forces we all come in contact with.

 Take this as your reminder to stop what you’re doing, take your shoes and socks off and go stand in the grass. Face toward the sun and close your eyes for bonus points. The negative ions, vitamin D and deep breathes of fresh air will restore you.

benefits the health of your skin.

Almost every single person has some sort of issue with their skin. Whether you’re dealing with oily or dry skin, frequent breakouts or discoloration – problems with skin touch so many. Our skin is a point of major insecurity, as it’s the first thing people see, and if it’s not in a good place it can crumble your self-esteem. While all the treatments and special face washes can work, another way you can aide your skin’s health is, you guessed it, being outside!

Being outside benefits the health of your skin in countless ways, but one of the most beneficial is everyone’s favorite vitamin; vitamin D. When you spend time outside, you are reaping the benefits of vitamin D on your body inside and out. Vitamin D, in a controlled exposure, is huge in skin protection and rejuvenation. It contributes to skin cell growth, repair, and metabolism. It also enhances the skin's immune system and helps to destroy free radicals that can cause premature aging. While the common misconception states that sun exposure is damaging to the skin, there are many positives to sun exposure that people miss.

In addition to vitamin D exposure, being outside allows your pores to open and breathe easier and more effectively. This gives your skin a better opportunity to remove toxins, which we ALL need to do. Harmful toxins are prevalent around us and in the products we use, so cleansing yourself and your skin of as much of that as possible is hugely beneficial to the health of your skin.

good for the soul.

Last, but definitely not least, being outside is just plain good for your soul. Not only does exposure to nature improve your health and well-being in numerous ways, it also helps you to feel better on an emotional and spiritual level. As a lover of all things nature, I truly believe that spending time outside enriches your heart and soul in a way that nothing else can. Nature has the ability to stimulate all five senses in a way that is truly unmatched; the bright colors, calm and soothing sounds, smell of the fresh air, taste of fresh, natural water and the way the forces of nature light up your whole body is an indescribable thing. 

While I only listed 5 reasons why being outside is good for your health, you can see countless more for yourself by just walking out your door! The benefits that being outside has on your physical and mental health is profound. It’s incredible to think that there is a free, accessible and natural aide to so many of our issues. After reading this blog, I urge you all to get outside today and every day. Make it a goal of yours to be outside for even just five minutes each day and feel the positive impact it has on your health. Take it from me, you will not be disappointed.