Why spending time outdoors can improve your health
Vineyards in the Douro valley region, Northern Portugal
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The health benefits of spending time outdoors
I recently spent a week in the Douro valley area of Northern Portugal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for wine and Port.
It was a work trip with a new client, but also meant I was outdoors cycling every day for a week. It was warm and sunny, with a lovely breeze on the bike. Perfect for my English blood and I feel fortunate to have been offered the experience. Daily bike rides in the sunshine felt wonderful and got me thinking about the health benefits of spending time outdoors.
With the name of this website, it will come as no surprise to hear that the outdoors is a huge part of my life. When my husband and I bought a house needing renovation, the garden was our first major project. If I ever need to press pause or reset on life, the outdoors is where I go. And, for any regular readers of this website, you’ll already know how much I love writing about the outdoors - heck, that was part of the reason I took the leap to become a freelance writer.
Even so, life happens. I’ve been busy with work this year, meaning long days sitting in front of my computer. We’ve also been working on bathroom renovations during weekends and holidays, so it’s been tough finding any spare time. Plus we’ve had wet, cold, and windy weather in Yorkshire (seriously, it’s a hot topic of conversation) for the best part of 12 moths, meaning no sitting around in the garden.
So, this post is as much of a reminder for me as it is sharing information with you! A reminder of the benefits I get from being outdoors.
Five health benefits of being outdoors
Technology is great, yet it has much to answer for. It’s easy nowadays to lose an hour while scrolling on social media, and there are so many distractions keeping us indoors.
But, if you’re as old as me, you probably remember getting kicked out of the house in the morning to go outside and play. And it was no bad thing! Spending just half an hour a day outside in nature can make a huge difference to our physical and mental health.
1. Being outdoors reduces stress, anxiety, and depression
Getting outside is a great way to reset, recharge, and take your mind off mentally draining tasks. You don’t even need to be exercising either. Simply sitting outdoors can reduce stress, depression, and anxiety levels. Spending time in green spaces and natural daylight can also increase feelings of happiness and wellbeing.
On busy work days, I aim to have 10 mins outside whenever I break for a cuppa. Recently, it’s meant wrapping up in a coat and woolly hat or, if it’s lashing down (raining), sitting inside with the door open. But I feel better for having that tiny connection with nature.
2. Being outdoors improves sleep
I’ve always maintained that camping resets my internal clock. I think it’s to do with the natural rhythm of the day and having fewer distractions. Light from a phone or tablet confuses our brains into thinking it’s time to wake up. When you add in other things at home that spike our adrenaline like television, sensationalist news, and everyday worries, it’s easy to see why so many of us struggle with sleep.
I used to sleep well, but it’s not been as great recently, for many reasons. But, I always see an improvement if I go out for a walk after work. That brief connection with nature reduces cortisol, and gives my body signals that it’s time to relax. It’s even better when life is stripped back to a tent.
3. Being outdoors improves physical health
Physical activity and exercising outdoors is good for the health of our hearts. But it can also lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar - which reduces the chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Exposure to sunlight increases vitamin D levels, which helps keep our bones, teeth, and muscles healthy. And being outdoors is also important to help keep our immune systems healthy.
I never used to think of short walks as exercise. But, after some major life changes and prolonged periods of stress from family bereavements, I changed my thinking. Now, I simply appreciate getting outside, whether it’s a quick morning walk before work, a cuppa outside with a loved one, or exploring wild areas on my bike.
4. Being outdoors creates connection and community
The outdoors is a great place to come together with friends, family, and a community of like-minded people. It’s especially important in reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. I used to work for a small conservation charity and many of the volunteers got involved to meet others with similar interests. Local walking groups are another way to meet new people, and you also get to explore new areas at the same time.
But connection doesn’t always have to happen in groups. Many parks and open spaces now have designated ‘happy to chat’ benches, encouraging friendly conversations with strangers. Or you may want to feel more grounded and connect with nature in your own space.
5. Being outdoors boosts creativity
Taking a break in nature can stimulate the brain and encourage a different perspective. Whenever I’m wrangling with a problem or hit a wall at work, I’ve found that a change of scenery usually does the trick. I also a very kinaesthetic person, meaning I learn through hands-on experiences and prefer being active when I learn. Walking and talking meetings are great for me, switching off my conscious brain so I can be more creative.
Spending time outdoors also helps your body get rid of the stress hormone, cortisol. This allows more mental space to solve problems and come up with creative solutions. So, if you’re looking for better focus and concentration, maybe it’s time to head outdoors?
Finding time to get outdoors
I get it, modern life is busy and it can be difficult to carve out space for ourselves.
One thing I picked up while being away is that the Portuguese value lunch breaks. Unlike much of our working culture in the UK where we’re lucky to grab a sandwich at our desks, they like to eat in a different space - whether that’s a restaurant, communal kitchen, or outdoor area.
It means the mind gets a break, and people can connect with others over a meal. I decided to give it a go. I live and work in a rural area so a communal lunch break is not usually an option. But I have been more conscious of taking an hour away from my desk and sitting outside with a cuppa afterwards, even though it’s been bloody freezing with the cold wind! I’ve enjoyed it, although it would be soooo much better if we could get summer started!
Watch this space if you’d like to learn more about Northern Portugal and cycling in the Douro valley wine region. I have some work for my client first, then I plan to write all about it here. But the low-down, I loved it!
If you can’t wait and want to learn more about walking or cycling holidays in Portugal, click below to complete the enquiry form.
You may also be interested in reading:
Why running in bad weather can be good for your health
Would you want to spend a month without social media?
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Outdoor-Girl is run by Jacquie Budd, an outdoor adventure and marketing content writer for brands that care about their impact on people and the planet.
