going outside is important - even when it is cold

Albert Einstein once said, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
 
It is starting to get to that time of the year that in order to go outside, a process of bundling up to stay warm occurs. Although this is a time-consuming, it is still crucially important to spend some time outside. Nature provides serious benefits to our bodies and minds. Unplug and let the body and mind wander. Below are 5 reasons why it is still important to get outside – even when it is cold.

1. Walking outside boosts creativity and increases concentration: Walking not only increases physical activity but has shown that it promotes the flow of ideas. Backpackers have been shown to score 50% higher on creativity tests after 4 days without electronics.
2. Being outdoors can improve your mood: Its no secret that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can be brought on by Winter. Symptoms of SAD can include anxiety, exhaustion, and overwhelming sadness. Many believe SAD comes on from shorter winter days and more time inside and having less sunlight. So a simple solution is more time outside.
3. Increased time outside allows our bodies to soak up more Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps ward off heart attacks, improve conditions in osteoporosis and some types of cancer. We receive 80-90% of Vitamin D from the sun.
4. Recharge exercise routine: Its much more difficult to find the motivation to go outside and exercise when it is windy, snowy, or cold. However, working out in these conditions provides a better workout, burns more calories, and makes physical activity more enjoyable. Being active in these conditions can provide solitude as there are just not as many people outside.
5. Nature is healing: Seventy-year-olds who spent time outdoors daily reported fewer bouts of pain and had less trouble sleeping. They also seemed to show less of a decline in day-to-day activities. In other words, the outdoors may help us stay healthy later in life.

Spending time outside and giving your body and mind a chance to unwind, relax, or exercise, is still as important, and potentially more effective – even when it is cold outside. MAKE time to get outside and enjoy nature this Fall/Winter, do not just try to FIND time.