Health Benefits of the Going Outside

Go Outside, Be Healthy

It is a fact of life that most American adults spends around eight hours a day sitting at a desk. This has significant health consequences. We at Mountain House are all about going outside and the more excuses we can get to enjoy nature the better. Here are some of the many health benefits of being in the great outdoors.

Going Outside Helps Your Vitamin D Levels

The more time you spend outside, the greater your chance of avoiding vitamin D deficiency, which leads to a whole host of health issues like depression and certain cancers. When sunlight hits your skin, the ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays react with a substance in your skin called provitamin D3 to create vitamin D. Your body must have Vitamin D to be able to properly process calcium and promote bone growth. A word of caution: don’t overdo it. Too much sun exposure will leave you with painful burns which can increase your risk of skin cancer. Wear sunscreen, protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats.

Going Outside Gets You Moving

Chances are if you are outside, you’re moving more than you would normally. The human body was meant to move. Sadly, 80% of American’s don’t get the recommended exercise they need. Exercise has been shown to decrease depression, improve your energy and improve your concentration.

Going Outside Can Make You Happier

Who doesn’t want to be happy? (Your cranky neighbor doesn’t count). Whether it’s the extra exercise you’ll get, the change in scenery or the extra Vitamin D, going outside can help improve your mood. A study out of Harvard University reports that being outside can make one happier. How’s that for a health benefit?

Going Outside Can Reduce Your Stress

With the hectic schedules that many of keep nowadays, it’s nice to get away from the office and enjoy nature. In fact, children’s stress levels will fall within minutes of seeing green spaces, so it stands to reason yours will too. Get away from the emails, voicemails, meetings and texts and relax. Go outside! Do you agree with this list? What other health benefits do you think should be on this list?