Tips & Tricks

5 Benefits of Being Outside: Be Happier & Healthier

February 10, 2022

With more people than ever working from home, taking a breather to step into the great outdoors every day is extremely important. This has more benefits than just a change of scenery – it’s linked to improving cognitive function, as well as mental and physical well-being. After all, natural sunlight is your best source of vitamin D.

Let’s take a look at some of the perks of being outside and spending time in nature.

Benefits of Being Outdoors & Spending Time in Nature

Spending time in nature is beneficial for both body and mind.

As far as the body is concerned, the benefits of being outside include:

1. Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation is a prime driver of many physical and mental ailments, including autoimmune disorders, cancer, depression, and much more. Fortunately, spending time in nature has proven to be a great way to keep inflammation down.

Therefore, it is wise to consider grabbing the family and going on a camping trip. After all, few things are better than sitting around a campfire, enjoying some fishing, and making morning coffee while camping.

2. An Immune System Boost

In the age of Covid, we can all use a boost to our immune system. Fortunately, one of the benefits of being outdoors is a boost to your immune system, particularly in green areas like forests. Part of the reason for this is the dose of vitamin D you receive from the sun, but it also has to do with compounds produced by plants (phytoncides) which have been shown to increase white blood cells.

This means that heading out to hike a nature trail in the woods or even just going for a walk in your local park can do wonders for your health.

However, it isn’t just your physical body that nature benefits, as your mind reaps the rewards from the outdoors, as well.

3. An Uptick in Happiness

Fact: Spending time in nature can make you happier overall. This is because being exposed to fresh air can help increase the oxygen levels the brain receives, thus increasing serotonin production.

Therefore, hiking a national park, heading to the beach, or going birdwatching or geocaching are all viable ways to help put a smile on your face.

4. Remedy for Anxiety and Depression

A panoply of studies has shown that spending time in nature is highly effective for fighting anxiety and other mental disorders. Therefore, taking a walk along a nature trail, mountain biking, or rock climbing (if you are so adventurous) helps to combat anxiety and depression.

If you are not used to getting much time under the sun, setting S.M.A.R.T., achievable goals for getting outdoors is a good start.

5. Lower Stress Levels

Today’s professional world expects high levels of performance and efficiency. As a result, it can be easy to feel the pressure and stress of meeting social and professional expectations.

Fortunately, research has repeatedly shown that spending time in nature reduces stress, even if it is as little as 10 minutes a day.

Person in a dark green sweater holding the Ember Mug² in gray with both hands.

How to Enjoy the Outdoors

If you’re looking for some easy, enjoyable ways to get outside, here are some easy ideas:

Drink Your Morning Coffee Outside

One of the easiest ways to get a bit of time outside is simply drinking your morning coffee in the sun in your backyard or on your patio. You could even decide to swap out coffee for some beneficial teas to sip on in the morning.

This takes practically no preparation and is a great way to get some fresh air.

Take Yourself (Or Your Dog) For a Walk

Taking a walk is a simple routine to clear your mind and exercise your body quickly. Even if it’s just for a few minutes or on your lunch break, it’s a great way to positively impact your mental health.

It’s also an excellent way to spend time with those close to you. Grab a friend, or your pup’s leash, and go for a walk around the neighborhood, in a park, or on your favorite nature trail.

You can even bring your warm morning beverage with you using your Ember Travel Mug².

Build an Outdoor Garden

Building an outdoor garden box or simply tending to your plants can do wonders for your health.

Not only is it a great hobby, but the act of digging and planting burns calories and strengthens your heart. It also can help you create fresh harvests of herbs and vegetables for your dining table.

Catch Up On Your Favorite Book

Exercise your mind and take a seat under the natural light to catch up with your reading.

Natural light has been proven to be the best for reading because its brightness improves contrast, thus helping you attain visual comfort and avoid eye strain.