Effects of lack of outdoor exercise

According to Dr Allison Edwards, medical director of Sesame – a platform connecting patients with British doctors, sunlight provides the body’s ability to synthesize vitamin D on its own. In addition, you may experience other problems.

Mentally affected

Dr. Edwards said, if you don’t spend time in nature, you will feel sad and uncomfortable, and even have trouble sleeping at night. When you wake up, you may feel tired. Meanwhile, sunlight and fresh air help us to solve all these problems. What’s more, exposure to nature has been linked to improved mood and less anxiety.

The circadian rhythm is messed up

The human body is regulated by a 24-hour cycle known as the circadian rhythm, which gives the body the cues it needs to handle everything from digestion to melatonin production. When it gets dark, your body’s melatonin starts to increase and signals the brain that it’s time to sleep, Dr. Mahmud Kara explains. When it’s morning, it signals to the brain that it’s time to wake up. Therefore, not being outdoors in the morning will blur the line between day and night, leading to too little melatonin for the body.

Miss out on other important health benefits

Being active outdoors gives you the opportunity to take control of your physical health. Dr. Edwards says that being in nature is strongly correlated with exercise, which helps reduce symptoms of depression, makes you more active and physically stronger. However, when going outside, don’t forget to apply sunscreen.

Miss the abundant vitamin D from nature

Sunlight at the beginning of the day can provide an abundant amount of vitamin D for the body. This micronutrient can be found in a number of foods, but sun exposure is one of the best sources.

Reduced productivity

According to Dr Allison Chase, clinical psychologist and regional clinical director of the Pathlight Center (UK), being outdoors can help you find relief and balance, especially if you experience it regularly. Stress makes you lose focus in daily tasks.

Dr. Casey Means, medical director and co-founder of Levels says that our eyes are the gateway to natural light. Photoreceptors, or light-sensitive cells in the retina, respond to sunlight particles by changing shape and sending signals to the brain that it’s time to get to work.

How much time outdoors is enough?

Dr. Edwards says you should spend at least 30 minutes in nature a day. Another study found that spending just two cumulative hours a week outdoors has a positive impact on a person’s health and well-being. In addition, it depends on both the needs and physical capabilities of the individual.

Thuy Linh (According to Yahoo)