Enjoy the Benefits of the Summer Sun!
Posted by Kelli Arruzzo on Tue, Jun 21, 2011
Over the years, time spent outside has steadily declined and family vacations have decreased by 28%, but all this time spent indoors while the summer sun is beaming down isn’t doing much for your health. In honor of the first day of summer, it's time to find ways to get up, get out, and enjoy the sunshine. Doing so will not only provide you with extra physical activity in your life, but it will help to lower stress levels and provide your body with additional vitamin D, boosting your mood, alertness, and making you look and feel better.
Grow Your Own
Studies show that individuals who garden eat more vegetables, so plant a few hardy crops like squash, tomatoes, and radishes. Also consider a few spices – such as basil – to add a fresh accent to almost any meal. Plus – you’ll burn about 272 calories an hour while tending and maintaining your crops.
Make it Mandatory
Institute a “green hour” if you need to, but try to add at least one hour of outdoor activity to your weekend (to start) and gradually incorporating outdoor time to your weeknights too! Go for a family bike ride, catch fireflies, walk your dog, or have a picnic. It’ll relax you and become an activity you’ll look forward to each day or week!
Play in the Green
A 2003 study found that individuals who ran in parks felt 15% more restored than those who ran on treadmills or through city streets. After all, interaction with nature reduces depression, promotes healing, sparks creativity, and even increases life expectancy!
Source: Prevention