by Alana Laanui |
Although summer is slipping away, and soon the days of shorts and sunglasses will be behind us, there’s still a lot to gain from being outside. If the only light you are receiving is LED and the only landscapes you are seeing are from your screensaver, then it’s time for you to get outside. Here are just a few reasons why you should trade your desk for a patch on the grass:
1) You absorb vitamins when you're outside:
When you’re outdoors, you’re exposed to Vitamin D from the sunlight. Vitamin D helps reduce future bone problems, heart disease, diabetes and other health concerns.
2) Get the opportunity to see a whole new world:
Literally! Being outside improves distance vision, reducing the chances of being near-sighted in the future.
3) You can breathe in some fresh air:
Leave the drab air in your dorm. According to the California Air Resources Board, air inside contains 25 to 62 percent more pollutants than those outside.
4) Hiking can aid weight loss:
Hiking doesn’t only provide a great view—in fact, just being at a higher altitude can speed up weight loss and curb hunger.
5) Getting outside can help you think outside...the box:
Breathing in fresh air can stimulate some fresh ideas. A simple stroll can help you approach a problem with a new perspective.
6) You can get some spa benefits, for free:
The natural scents that are found in nature such as lilac, pine and other plants can promote a sense of relaxation and reduce anxiety.
7) You’ll learn as you go along:
Data from the National Wildlife Federation show that schools that incorporate environmental education programs score higher on standardized tests.
8) Being outside makes you happy:
Being outside is thought to raise serotonin levels—the neurotransmitter responsible for making you feel good.
Alana Laanui is a reporter for The Beacon. She can be reached at laanui18@up.edu or on Twitter @AlanaLaanui.
