When the weather starts getting colder it can be tempting to just hibernate and stay indoors. But when you’ve got lockdown restrictions as well, sometimes it can kind of feel like: is there any point in leaving the house?? I mean there are new games coming out on the XBox and Playstation, there are new series to bingewatch on Netflix…
There have been some key things which this year has taught us: one is that human beings need to interact with other human beings. Some of us need more interaction and some of us need less, but we all need connection with other people. Technology like Zoom can go some way to helping with that need for connection, but nothing beats the real thing.
Another thing which we’ve definitely realised is that we need some time outdoors. I think nearly all of us at some point this year have probably had to self-isolate and it’s surprising what a difference it makes to our wellbeing when we can’t go outside. Sure, it’s warm and cosy indoors, but there’s something good about being outside.
But why exactly? What difference does it actually make?
- Vitamins! Whilst too many UV rays might be bad for you, sunlight on your skin is actually very good for you. The action of sunlight on your skin is the only way you get Vitamin D unless you take supplements. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium for healthy teeth and bones and can help ward off bone disease in later life.
- Brain break: being outside uses different parts of your brain to the ones you use for sitting down and studying or playing online games. This means the parts used for cognitive brain-function and problem-solving can have a break whilst the other parts step up to get you moving. Very often, stepping away from a complex task or revision and going for a walk can give your brain a much-needed break, which makes it easier when you come back to your desk.
- Wake-up time! Going for a walk and getting fresh air stimulates your senses: sight, sound, touch, smell (and taste if you take a snack with you!). This can be a really good way to refresh you and help lift your mood if you’re having a low day. Why not try visiting the same green patch at different times of the day and take a photo each time? See how the light and colours change when you do?
- Mental Health boost: spending time outside really helps for things like SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and low mood. Research studies show that spending time in nature helps to lower stress levels and boost our immune system.
- Looking up: Research shows that spending time outdoors can also benefit your eyesight. People who spent more time outside are less likely to become short-sighted because they use their eyes to look at things at a range of distances rather than just close up.
If you want to read more about how being in nature can be beneficial, you can read this simple article in Business Insider.
WellbeingEleven 