Health Benefits of Getting Outdoors...

With the Dubai summer in full swing it may seem like the last place we want to go but there are many & varied health benefits to be enjoyed from venturing out from our air-conditioned sanctuaries...

👣 It helps us get exercise & burn a few extra calories

👣 It helps us top up our vitamin D levels. Just 10-15 minutes of sunshine on the skin boosts our levels of this immune-boosting vitamin significantly

👣 It may reduce anxiety. Sunlight supports our serotonin (happy hormone) levels which can, in turn, raise energy whilst keeping us calm, focused & more positive. Sunlight also seems to energise special T cells in our immune system that help to fight infection

👣 It’s a social activity which helps to connect us with both the people & places within our community

👣 It enhances sleep quality. Being outdoors enables the cells in our eyes to receive enough light to set our internal body clock which is vital to a favourable sleep cycle. This may be even more important the older we get as our eyes absorb less light

👣 Even small amounts of outdoor activity like going for a walk or a cycle can bolster our sense of self-esteem

👣 It can sharpen focus & creativity. Studies have shown its not just the activity, but the change of scenery, especially green spaces, that can increase our ability to focus on tasks we turn our attention to afterwards

👣 It helps maintain a healthy weight. As a result of being outdoors we are more likely to be more active & sleep better, key ingredients of living a healthy lifestyle & effective calorie burning. Studies suggest the earlier you get out & about, the better your chances of preventing weight gain

(A note of caution, especially for those of us living in sunnier climates, don’t forget your high factor broad-spectrum SPF to protect skin from the potential dangers & premature-ageing effects of direct sunlight)

For more info visit www.webmd.com ‘Heath Benefits of Getting Outside’

Image by @avoisla