How will you be celebrating World Health Day on April 7?
Why not spend time outside?
World Health Day is an annual celebration with two purposes: to mark the anniversary of the World Health Organization and highlight a different public health concern. This year, the theme is ‘Our Planet, Our Health,’ and people everywhere will be making that connection on April 7 by spending more time outside. In this blog, we highlight nine health benefits of being outdoors and how a beautiful yard can make that time especially enjoyable.
Benefit #1: Lowers Blood Pressure
Spending time outside is good for your mental and physical health, and may be particularly beneficial to your blood pressure. Fresh air, clear skies, and an abundance of greenery have a calming effect that can translate into lower blood pressure levels.
Benefit #2: Reduces Stress
Walking among trees or simply gazing at them from a distance can reduce stress-related hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Studies suggest that even 20 minutes a day under the open skies can do wonders for your stress levels.
Benefit #3: Improves Mood
After spending time in nature, do you find yourself feeling calmer, more relaxed, or more focused? Time outside has been proven to be good for your mental health. When you feel better, your mood improves.
Benefit #4: Improves Focus
Those who have problems focusing or controlling impulses find that being in nature improves their ability to concentrate. The natural world allows our brains to relax from all the mental strains and even reduces symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Benefit #5: Boosts Energy
Do you need another shot of caffeine? Maybe you should go out for a quick and invigorating walk instead. According to one study, spending 20 minutes outside gives your brain an energy boost similar to one cup of coffee.
Benefit #6: Helps You Sleep Better
When you’re outside, you’re breathing in fresh air, enjoying exposure to sunlight, and taking in the calming benefits of a natural environment. It all adds up to a sense of wellbeing that can result in a good night’s sleep.
Benefit #7: Boosts Vitamin D Levels
When you expose your skin to sunlight – actually, ultraviolet B (UVB) rays – your body makes vitamin D, a nutrient known as the “sunshine vitamin.” Vitamin D may protect you from osteoporosis to cancer to depression to heart attacks and strokes. Instead of eating lunch at your desk, why not go for a walk?
Benefit #8: Helps You Heal Faster
The pain and anxiety associated with illness and surgery can increase stress and slow healing. According to researchers, patients who spend time outdoors during their recovery need fewer painkillers, experience fewer complications, and spend less time in the hospital, which is great news.
Benefit #9: Improves Mobility
Older adults who spend time outside often report improved mobility and increased ability to perform daily activities. The combination of fresh air and a greener environment encourages longer exercise periods, which also contribute to better moods and sleep cycles.
Reap These Health Benefits in Your Own Backyard!
While long and leisurely hikes can do wonders for your health, you don’t have to wait until the weekend to spend quality time outdoors. A beautifully-landscaped yard, combined with a pool and unique hardscaping elements like waterfalls, rock gardens, and outdoor fireplaces, will have your family spending more time outside this spring and summer.
At Green Collar Landscaping, we can turn your backyard into the perfect place for a leisurely afternoon or even an entire staycation. To learn more and receive a free estimate, please contact us. Happy World Health Day, and enjoy your time outside!