How often is your beautiful outdoor living space being utilized? We know that for a lot of people, the weather is just now becoming suitable for outdoor activities–which means now is the time to take advantage of all that nature has to offer for the next several months. Research has shown that there are numerous benefits of spending significant time outdoors. Healthline writer Sarah Garone details eight specific health benefits of spending time outdoors (these claims were medically reviewed by Doctor Akilah Reynolds for accuracy) and here, we are going to summarize and add to her findings for you:
- Reduced Cortisol
- Participants in an 8-week study had much lower cortisol levels after spending 10+ minutes outside 3 times a week. Cortisol is a stress hormone and when it is being overproduced, it can cause hyperstimulation and eventual fatigue. Long term research shows the effects of stress go far beyond mental health and affect our physical health, even with short term stress.
- Lowered Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
- 2020 research shows that sitting and or walking outdoors leads to reduced blood pressure and heart rate. Relaxing and finding ways to unwind improves natural defenses by boosting your immunity. Set your outdoor space for ambient and relaxing at night with string lights and dimmed step lights.
- Increased Vitamin D
- It is estimated that around 40% of American adults have a vitamin D deficiency–this can cause mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
- Improved Sleep Quality
- 250,000 adults in a 2015 study who were exposed to a natural environment had a higher likelihood of getting adequate rest afterwards.
- Increased Overall Well-Being
- According to a 2019 scientific review, time spent outdoors promotes experiencing more positive emotions, a sense of meaning and purpose in life, positive social interactions and decreased mental stress.
- Improved Cognition and Creativity
- Spending time outdoors is associated with higher cognitive development scores in adolescents, per a 2021 study.
- Less Rumination
- Going outside can help you get out of your head–a 2015 study found that participants experienced less rumination and anxiety after spending time in a natural setting. Since the industrial revolution, paintings of natural outdoor landscapes were stored in factory living quarters to help workers cope with the depression from lacking experience with nature. Same rules apply today, so take the time to reconnect with your outdoor surroundings while fighting off depression and anxiety.
- Improved Relationships
- The bond between parents and their children can be improved by enjoying outdoor recreation together and thus dismissing indoor distractions. With outdoor lighting, you can invite family and friends to dine alfresco and entertain long after dark.
There are multiple outdoor activities that you can do from the comfort of your home that would allow you to get some fresh air, and they include: WFH (work from home) outside, doing yoga in the backyard, hosting an outdoor dinner party, laying out/reading, playing games with your kids, planting flowers/doing your own yard work, etc.
Now, we can’t say these things without mentioning how much more time you could be spending outside with NiteLites outdoor lights installed on your property. Here at NiteLites, we think you should be able to enjoy outdoor living beyond the confines of dusk and dawn. Call 1-866-648-3548 to schedule a free professional consultation or click here to submit a form on our website.