Sentara RMH Fall 2021 Magazine

Page 13

IMPROVE HEALTH EVERY DAY

THREE REASONS TO

GET OUTDOORS For many of us, screen time and indoor activities drastically interfere with our time outdoors. However, the documented physical and mental health benefits of being outdoors provide compelling reasons to head outside. Here's why:

Spending time outside also lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol. A University of Michigan study asked participants to “take a nature pill” by going outside 10 minutes or more at least three times a week. Cortisol levels were measured before and after spending time outside. The data revealed that a 20-minute nature experience was enough to reduce cortisol levels significantly.

1 Improves cardiovascular health and immunity

3 Boosts concentration and creativity

Being outdoors lends itself to exercising, improving your heart health, weight, blood pressure, and even cholesterol levels. While you're outside, your body makes vitamin D when your skin is exposed to the sun, which: • Fights off invading bacteria and viruses • Strengthens bones • Helps your nerves carry messages between your brain and body

Being outdoors calms our brain, reducing our frenetic pace and slowing our minds. We can get a fresh perspective if we take a step away from our indoor lives and let the sun, sights and smells seep in. The great outdoors can improve your health mentally and physically. Just step outside and enjoy all that Mother Nature offers.

2 Reduces stress and improves mood Exposure to sunlight boosts serotonin, which helps to regulate our mood naturally, making us feel calmer and happier.

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