Why It’s Essential: 6 Key Reasons

When you think of “fitness” in the cold part of the year, you usually think of treadmills, dumbbells, or some other indoor exercise. At the same time, there are so many good reasons to force yourself to go outside in spite of the cold and chilly weather even in winter. Not only science, but also everyday experience confirms that moving outside not only improves physical health and immunity, but also mood, mental condition and overall well-being.

It has been proven that spending time in nature reduces stress and improves mood. Review of 33 studies showed that even a short stay in the natural world has a positive effect on negative and depressive thinking. Authors another study in turn, they report that outdoor activities consistently increase self-esteem and relieve tension, anger, and anxiety.

It’s true that you won’t enjoy the sun much in winter, but on the other hand, it peeks out here and there even in the colder months. And it’s still true that sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D supporting bone health, immunity and mood regulation. Lack of “baby” on the contrary, it is associated with fatiguebad mood and stress, poorer immunity and other problems.

For another beneficial effects on immunityby which the outdoor environment affects humans, trees and plants in general are responsible. As Michaela Bebová, a biochemist and nutrition expert, explains, they release phytoncideswhich are substances that have an antimicrobial and immunostimulating effect. “Simply put – regular walks in nature support the function of immunity, which is especially necessary in autumn and winter,” explains the expert. >>>6 tips for better immunity

Outdoor movement trains the body and mind to adapt and react quickly to changing environments. No stable and level surfaces, slopes, paths, stairs, grass, gravel, stones, snow, ice await outside… Natural surface and terrain changes test balance, coordination and strength of body and mind. All this leads to the cultivation of a more complex condition.

You struggle with being distracted, unable to fully focus and concentrate your thoughts, or even occasionally brain fog? Maybe you spend little time outside: fresh air is full of oxygen, which soothes the brain and supports its functionality. It’s not for nothing being outside is associated with better concentration and lower mental fatigue: helps restore focus, increases creativity and improves overall attention and mindfulness.

Exposure to natural daylight promotes healthy circadian rhythmsi.e. your body’s internal clock. Which directly affects the quality of sleep. For this reason, it is not only children who are recommended to take at least a short walk in the early evening, which will pleasantly air them out before going to bed, help to discharge residual energy and prepare them for falling asleep.

The reduction of stress hormone levels cortisol and vice versa increasing levels of the “happy hormones” serotonin and dopamineshould just be enough 15 to 20 minutes a day outside. And if you want to feel even better, you can repeat this time period several times a day. How about taking two or three twenty-minute walks? That already sounds like a plan.

So it doesn’t have to be any extremes: instead of a walk, you can stretch in the garden or on the terrace, then take the dog out and finally go rollerblading or sledding with the children. In short: what suits everyone, the main thing is to be outside for at least a while every day.