There are many benefits to spending time outdoors, even if you are just sitting and relaxing, or getting about on high-quality mobility scooters. But you don’t necessarily have to be active to reap the benefits of spending just a short time in the great outdoors. Who would have thought those lazy afternoons reading a book on the patio were actually good for you?
Being outside improves mental wellbeing
Being outdoors has been proven to increase alertness, relieve fatigue and reduce impulsive behaviour and aggression. In fact, 88% of people find mental wellbeing is one of the best benefits of spending time in the garden. A recent survey also found that natural surroundings influenced mental health so much there was less aggression in families who had views of vegetation to those who did not. Spending time in the garden has also been linked to reduced levels of agitations and increased motivation, especially in regards to older people with less mobility. Watching wildlife and nature is one of the most popular activities for older people.
Breathing fresh air
Being outdoors, whether just in your garden, at a nearby park or out on in the country, gets you breathing in the fresh air away from any pollutants. While we tend to think of pollutants as from cars and heavy traffic, pollutant can also be in your house, from cleaning products, and the damp and mould in your house, which may have built up over winter. In the warm spring weather, there is no better time to get away and into the outdoors, giving your lungs a well-deserved break.
Let your eyes recover
With less mobility, we can easily find ourselves stuck indoors, watching TV or playing about on a tablet or computer. Looking at screens all day can have a negative impact on sight. This can be blurred vision, double vision, eye irritation and constant headaches. While you may not always have a choice, due to work, always make sure you spend time outdoors, away from the screen, giving your eyes a break from the screens.
Increase your vitamin D levels
It is estimated that more and more senior citizens are deficient in vitamin D, along with the rest of the country, as people are limiting the time they spend outdoors. Getting a good dose of vitamin D is important, as it can help with general health, helps fight infections like colds and regulates your immune system. The best way to get your vitamin D is spending time outdoors, even when the clouds are grey, and enjoying even just 30 minutes in the sun every day can be enough for your vitamin D intake.
Boosts your mood and focus
Spending time outdoors is also recommended to improve your general mood and focus. Half an hour outdoors has been found to help with focusing and solving problems, and even just five minutes of outdoor activity leads to immeasurable improvements in mood and self-esteem.
With the spring finally arriving and the weather improving, try to spend more time outdoors in the coming months to help with your health and wellbeing.
