You may think that getting outside for some playtime is just for kids, but in fact, there are a multitude of health benefits of outdoor recreation for people of all ages. Let’s take a look at just a few major ways your health can benefit from enjoying the outdoors.
One of the most crucial health benefits of outdoor recreation is getting fresh oxygen into the entire body while removing waste gases. Known as respiration, it is a vital function of every living creature. Therefore, when exercising outdoor and enjoying healthful recreation, it is essential to find areas relatively smog-free. Stay away from places such as near freeways, highways and congested urban areas.
Not only does outdoor recreation burn off body fat and extra calories, studies prove that spending time outdoors has a beneficial effect on human emotions and their psyche. Indeed, health benefits of outdoor recreation increase when there is sunshine available, but even on cloudy days there is a vast amount to gain in health benefits by being outdoors. In the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, one study showed that people who live closest to a natural environment are healthier overall, compared to those who live further from natural spaces.
How Much Outdoor Recreation is Best?
Amazingly, experts find that just five to ten minutes a day spent exercising outdoors has a significant impact on a person’s mental health. This is true for all ages, health levels, and for both genders; however, the greatest gains are for young children and those who are mentally ill. Furthermore, parks amid urban areas are advantageous, as long as greenery is present and especially if there is a body of water. Of course, more time outdoors is better, but starting out slow and increasing it gradually is a good plan.
Ideas for Enjoyable Outdoor Recreation
Some people think that outdoor recreation must involve sports, which they may hesitate to try. This is far from the truth, because outside recreation includes gardening, walking, bird watching, skating, visiting a farmer’s market, and many other slow-paced activities that do not require boundless energy to derive health benefits. However, people do experience an increase in energy levels after making it a practice to get outside every day. In adverse weather, plan ahead by wearing layers of clothing so you can adjust for your changing body heat levels as you engage in your favorite outdoor pastime.
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