Temperatures are rising and school is out!
Many of us are eager to pack away our winter coats and get outside. Outdoor activities aren’t just fun; they can also bring surprising health benefits. If you feel too busy to get some fresh air, there are many reasons to prioritize time outdoors. Below, we’ll explore some benefits of getting outside this spring and summer.
Increased levels of Vitamin D
Spending time outdoors exposes you to sunlight, which helps your body produce vitamin D. This essential nutrient is vital for healthy bone and muscle development, the immune system, mental health, and other bodily processes. Being low in vitamin D can cause symptoms that mimic other conditions, such as chronic fatigue, depression, and mood changes. A lack of vitamin D can also contribute to muscular weakness and bone and joint pain.
According to one study in the National Library of Medicine, 42% of adults do not get enough vitamin D, while 50% of children aged between one and five and 70% of children aged between six and 11 have low vitamin D stores. The statistics are even higher for people with dark skin. Nearly 63% of Hispanic adults and 82% of African American adults don’t get enough vitamin D.
People lacking vitamin D can take supplements to get the recommended 1,500 to 2,000 IU of vitamin D every day. However, exposure to sunlight is one way to boost vitamin D levels in the body for free. Doctors recommend getting 10–30 minutes of midday sunlight several times per week to maintain healthy vitamin D levels in the body.
Improved memory and mental health
Are you feeling foggy, sleepy, or stressed? Studies show that exposure to natural light, fresh air, and green spaces can improve brain function and mood stability, and we are finally starting to understand how and why.
Over the past few decades, researchers have studied the impact of nature and time spent outdoors on our mental health. One study published in 2019 found that being exposed to natural environments improves working memory and cognitive ability. Some researchers believe that humans evolving in natural, green spaces makes us biologically inclined to reduced stress and increased sense of well-being when surrounded by nature.
Regardless of what causes our physiological response to the outdoors, the results are apparent. Spending just 30 minutes outside, whether in a park or walking through a city, has been found to lower stress hormones and cortisol levels.
More opportunities to exercise
One of the most obvious ways to improve our physical health is through exercise, but that’s hard to do when we are seated indoors for most of the workday. Going outside provides ample opportunity to stretch our legs, fill our lungs with fresh air, and get moving.
Exercise outdoors, also known as “green exercise,” can include walking, running, hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking or canoeing, yoga in the park, and more. Intramural sports provide opportunities to exercise while making new fitness- and sports-minded friends in the community.
The benefits of physical activity are too many to name, and they can be boosted by the benefits of nature. Moving our bodies has been proven to lower blood pressure, stress levels, and risk of heart attacks and other health problems. By exercising outside, you can combine the effects of physical activity with the positive effects and mood improvement of outdoor time for bigger improvements to your overall well-being.
Get Outdoors in Lynchburg, Virginia
We are fortunate to live in a beautiful region that makes getting outdoors easy. Whether you want to break a sweat or simply commune with mother nature, Lynchburg and the surrounding areas have green spaces sprinkled throughout the community to suit every need.
Local Trails
Lynchburg is covered in trails and green spaces, and many of them connect! Check out the Lynchburg Parks & Recreation website for a complete list of trails and their access points throughout the city. Most of these trails are dog- and bike-friendly, but be sure to read their safety and etiquette guidelines to find out what you can bring and do on these public trails.
Hiking
Thanks to our proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lynchburg is surrounded by maintained hiking trails leading to stunning views of the city and valleys below. Get your fill of cardio and greenery on the trails at Peaks of Otter, Devil’s Marbleyard, Crabtree Falls, and more.
Community Events
Sports and hiking not your thing? Not to worry. Lynchburg hosts a variety of outdoor community events throughout the year. Check out the Lynchburg Community Market downtown or the Forest Community Market every Saturday and treat yourself to delicious, nutritious local produce. Browse art and galleries downtown during First Fridays. Tour historical homes, estates, or cemeteries. Regularly check community calendars like the LYHLynchburg.org calendar to plan your outdoor adventures.
Getting outside can do wonders for your physical well-being and general wellness. If you’d like to take charge of your health this summer, make an appointment for a routine physical today.