#optoutside
The pandemic has made us all think twice about going outside, understandably so. But I’m here to argue that we are likely boost our health and decrease our risks of getting COVID if we spend more time outdoors. Spending time outdoors can strengthen your immune system, and I would guess that a strong immune system is likely to be on your priority list in this #pandemiclife. This is one of those things that I feel should just be a given. Being outdoors is really really good for you. It’s where we’re meant to be! But as things are these days, some evidence is helpful to drive the point home.
For starters, the EPA records show Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. This is pre-pandemic statistic! And the hard reality is, another lockdown is likely. Another reality is, winter is going to happen. Both of these realities combined could make for a bleak few months. I am writing to you to plead that you still spend time outdoors—with a mask, maintaining social distance, but outdoors nonetheless.
Several studies have found that spending time outdoors means you’re more likely to engage in physical activity and lowers your risk for chronic disease. You don’t have to go outside with the intent of “exercising.” Just being outdoors will invite you to walk, interact with your environment differently, and possibly inspire other forms of movement you’re less inclined to do at home. Not only that, you’re likely to exercise longer if you do it outside. A recent study found that people who contract COVID-19 are less likely to be hospitalized if they tend to exercise regularly.
Ok, so you don’t feel like exercising on a gloomy day, I get it. Just twenty minutes outside will increase your sense of well being! Again, while being outdoors might inspire exercise, you don’t have to leave the house with that intent. Just spending time outside is enough to lighten your mood—and who doesn’t need that these days??? Not surprising, but there’s evidence to suggest that an increased sense of well being leads to a happier and longer life.
The Japanese get it. They coined the term Forest Bathing—a “mindfulness activity” consisting of immersing oneself in nature. Staying present (not on our phones) and engaging the five senses during time spent in nature is shown to have significant physiological and psychological benefits such as reducing tension, anger, fatigue, depression, confusion and anxiety . . . (pretty much sums up the pandemic? Oh wait, also election week???). Feelings of anxiety and depression increase inflammation in the body, weakening our immune system and making us more susceptible to illnesses and pain. Immerse yourself in some green and take a breather. You don’t need a forest! A walk through the trails of Prospect or Central Park counts just the same.
Regularly spending at least 10 minutes outside (doesn’t have to be sunny!) within the first hour of your day is enough to set your circadian rhythm on track for the rest of the day, positively impacting your sleep cycles. Quality sleep’s contribution to a strong immune system is like water to our survival—essential.
Sun exposure is good for you! It’s well known that Vitamin D is one of the biggest contributors to a strong and well functioning immune system. Studies have found that 80% of symptomatic COVID patients have a Vitamin D deficiency. Adequate sun exposure is the easiest way to absorb Vitamin D. Yes, you could take supplements, but sun exposure also contributes to higher levels of things like serotonin, nitric oxide (lowers blood pressure) and BDNF—a protein found in the brain that contributes to continued brain development.
Bottom line, get outside! Even if it’s only 10 minutes, even if it’s gray, even if it’s cold.
Keep moving.
xoxo