“Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Wise words written over 200 years ago yet with the advancement of technology and increased urbanisation, we have certainly drifted off-track from what we once knew to be true, and are now spending less and less time outdoors much to our detriment.
In fact, the average American spends only 8 percent of their day outside and an average of 10 hours a day staring at a screen.
And our children?
On average kids today will spend only 4-7 minutes outdoors while spending an average of 7 ½ hours on electronics.
These statistics are so troubling that the phrase ‘nature deficit disorder’ has been coined to address the wide range of health and behavioral problems associated with spending too much time indoors.
Benefits of spending time outside
- Reduces stress
- Boosts immunity
- Improves mental health
- Lowers your risk of respiratory disease
- Improves concentration, cognitive function, and memory
- Reduces inflammation
How much time is enough?
Every minute counts
Studies have shown that there is no minimum threshold so even if you can only go outside for a few minutes you will benefit, but the data confirms that the more time you spend outside, the healthier you will be.
Here are some of my favorite tips for maximising outside time:
- Enjoy your morning coffee or tea outside
- Ride your bike or walk to do errands
- Park farther away in a parking lot
- Take your workout or stretching session outside
- Start a herb garden on your balcony or deck
- Take fresh air breaks throughout the day- how about walk and talking while on a phone call?
- Keep up with outdoor entertaining as long as the weather permits – we’re all experts at this now!
© ONFORM coaching 2022