The great outdoors – why being outside is good for you

The Germans, Swiss and Austrians have long talked about "Nature Cure", as in spending time out in nature to help heal chronic diseases - it was very popular in the past for the likes of TB, Cancer and depression. What we now know about vitamin D and its impact on all of those illness, they weren't far off - clever people they are. I know that some health funds in Germany still cover Nature Cure as a friend of mine recently had a stint in the alps and it was covered by her health fund and I recall being slightly jealous!

Of course, now research and science is catching up with why this would be:

1. The ubiquitous vitamin D – what is this NOT good for? Research has been abundant on this amazing vitamin this century and of course it’s completely free! It comes from the sun! Here is a link to a blog I wrote some years ago now on the pros and cons of sun worship! Here are some other benefits of vitamin D:

- Can reduce your risk of colon cancer

- Can reduce your risk, osteoporosis

- Can improve wound healing

- Can reduce your muscle pain and joint and back pain

- Can reduce your risk of depression.

- Can reduce your risk of diabetes

- Can reduce your risk of schizophrenia

- Can reduce your incidence of migraines

- Can reduce your risk of autoimmune disease.

- Can reduce your incidence of allergies

- Can reduce your risk of preeclampsia

- Can reduce your risk of inflammation

- Can reduce your risk of heart attack by 50%

- Can reduce your risk of high blood pressure

- Can reduce your risk of multiple sclerosis.

2. Just being outside in the fresh air will help your immunity – scientists have found that those who spend time outdoors are basically less sick – and it’s not just about the vitamin D – it’s about challenging that immune system to new things that keeps it on alert A study published in 2010 strongly suggests forest bathing as a great way to support immune health – in fact a three-day trip to the forest increased the number of white blood cells in the blood. These levels of white blood cells stayed elevated for more than 30 days after time in the woods. Another study found that time in the woods also significantly reduced pulse rate and significantly increased the score for vigour and decreased the scores for depression, fatigue, anxiety, and confusion. It also decreased the neurotransmitter adrenaline in the body whilst at the same time, increased dopamine and adiponectin - that’s a good thing!

3. It helps with concentration. Whether it’s a different focus, or just taking your mind off the normal everyday stresses, it has been found that we tend to concentrate better after some time spent outside. This seems to be particularly important for children, and can even help those with ADD

4. It will also help with your memory. So maybe take some time outdoors before that big exam or work presentation

5. We tend to be more active when we are outside, so being outside will help with weight management, blood sugar control, (including diabetes) and heart health

6. Being outside can actually improve your vision: When we focus on the one thing continuously, such as the computer and TV, our eye muscles can become strained and a little rigid. But focusing on changing horizonsl enables our eyes to stay more flexible – which is a great thing for our vision.

7. It actually helps you live longer! There are numerous studies showing that those who spend more time outdoors IN NATURE, basically live healthier, happier lives.

8. In 2017 the peoples of the Earth crossed the line between more of us living in cities than in nature. And a new term has been coined: Nature Deficit Disorder. In particular for children. Children who spend little time outside are at risk for developing chronic health problems. In certain areas of the world, children now recognise computer and cartoon characters more so than animals – this is very sad indeed.

9. Studies have shown time and time again, those who spend time outdoors, suffer less from anxiety and depression.

10. Nature will also help you heal – studies show that if you can expose yourself to natural light following surgery, you will require less pain medication and actually heal faster. How about that?!

And it doesn’t have to be an enormous hike or marathon effort: Most studies find that even 20 minutes outdoors can be beneficial for your health.

So there you have it –

- GET OUTSIDE

- GET HAPPY

- BE WELL