In today’s society, our hectic schedules are filled with everything except for outside time in most cases. If you’re craving a breath of fresh air and the wind through your hair, you’re not alone. Many people are putting down their screens and video game controllers in favor of outdoor kitchens, relaxing patios, and swimming pools, especially during the warmer months. Have you lost touch with nature? You also may be interested in the wellness benefits outside time offers our physical and mental health. Outside time can literally make us more beautiful in quite a few ways, so if you’re into skincare, haircare, or general wellness, you should know the health benefits of spending time outdoors.
Better Sleep
Our bodies have an internal clock that reacts to the sun. When we’re out in the bright sunshine, we tend to be the most awake. When the sun sets, the night air encourages our circadian rhythm to get ready for bed. Artificial light isn’t nearly as strong as the power of the sun, and spending more time outdoors allows us to feel more tired at bedtime. When you fall asleep, you may just find the quality of your sleep improving, too. Sleeping isn’t just good for your physical and mental health—it affects your beauty as well. Have you ever heard of “beauty sleep?” A good night’s rest can clear the skin, reduce eye puffiness, calm inflammation, and promote hair and nail growth.
Clear Skin
Sunshine, in appropriate doses, provides Vitamin D, a key nutrient for the body’s health and strength. Access to Vitamin D from the sun strengthens the skin, making it less prone to wrinkles from wear and tear. Outside time helps regulate hormones to reduce stress, which can assist in the treatment and prevention of stress-related or hormonal acne. The sun will increase your skin’s melanin production, protecting it better from sunburn and skin cancer—all while giving you a decent tan. You’ll need to spend a decent amount of time outside to encourage melanin production and Vitamin D absorption, but you’ll need to be careful, as prolonged exposure to sunlight can also damage skin.
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Finding a balance is key—and wearing sun protection. I find wearing UV protection moisturizer and patio umbrellas work best for me. A local deck builder near me can install patio umbrella holders directly into the wood, making it easy to control the sunlight on brighter days.
Lung Health
The Environmental Protection Agency has found that there are significantly more airborne pollutants indoors than outdoors. A breath of fresh air can literally heal in this case, especially when you’re prone to asthma or allergic reactions to dust, dirt, or dander. Plant life improves the air quality further, and prolonged time spent near greenery can even reduce your risk of developing harmful respiratory symptoms or diseases. Of course, you’ll need to take care if your allergies are triggered by plant pollen; be mindful of where you decide to rest and relax outdoors. Stay away or upwind from pollinated plants.
Mental Health
Your mental health plays a larger role in your physical appearance than you may think. When you’re stressed, you’re more likely to develop acne, weight fluctuations, inflammation, and more. Your confidence levels are directly tied to your mental health, too—depression or anxiety can make you feel uncomfortable in your skin, lowering your self-esteem and making you feel undesirable. Thankfully, spending time outside is free, and has many benefits for our mental health. Sunlight can help naturally reduce the symptoms of depression, especially seasonal depression. Fresh air and Vitamin D from the sun can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety, which can contribute to low self-worth or stress-induced acne. The outside world provides a calming backdrop in a busy life. If your depression or anxiety is acting up, grab some sunscreen and go sunbathing.
Hair Growth and Strength
Vitamin D from the sun is also very beneficial for your hair. It’s a key ingredient to healthy hair follicles that stimulate growth. Your hair will grow faster, longer, and stronger when it has all the right nutrients, and Vitamin D is obtained easiest from the sun. Be sure to limit your time in the sun, however. Just like your skin, excessive sunlight can damage your hair, too. Those rays are powerful in many ways!
Improved Nails
Similar to your hair, nails also grow with the help of the sun’s doses of Vitamin D when you spend time outside. If you’re experiencing weak, brittle nails that have seen better days, some time outside may do you some good. Even if you use artificial nails, having a strong nail foundation can make your manicures even more effective and radiant. You’ll also find that the sun’s ultraviolet rays are a natural antifungal treatment, too. It can prevent or even treat harmful nail fungi.
Conclusion
There are many health benefits of spending time outdoors. Not only will you have a scenic backdrop to enjoy, but you’re more likely to take a break from work or screen time to connect with the environment. The sun, air, and plants around you all play a major role in your physical and mental health. Remember to limit your outside exposure without protection. Always wear some type of UV protection, like sunscreen, to get the most benefits of the world around you. We’re at our most beautiful when we are healthy, and exposure to nature promotes beauty and strength.
