Luckily for us, San Luis Obispo offers beautiful landscapes with a variety of hiking trails and other outdoor activities. Not only is the natural beauty aesthetically pleasing, but there are also some surprising health benefits.
Vitamin D
Being outside includes feeling the warm sunshine, which boosts Vitamin D levels in the body. Vitamin D “helps to regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorous, facilitates normal immune function and is important for normal growth and development of bones and teeth,” according to “The Benefits of Vitamin D.” If that isn’t convincing, WebMD reports that low levels of Vitamin D increase the risk of diabetes, muscle and bone pain and specific cancers.
Better mood
Nature has proven to lift bad mood, as it helps the mind and body to relax. According to an article titled “How Hospital Gardens Help Patients Heal,” even as little as three to five minutes can make a difference. After “three to five minutes spent looking at views dominated by trees, flowers, or water” anger, anxiety and pain are reduced. Study break, anyone?
Easy exercise
Most of the time outdoor activities require some physical movement. Because technology has become such an integral part of today’s society, people don’t as much they once did — playing video games, watching movies and Facebook stalking are all great, but they don’t encourage increased fitness levels. Outdoors, on the other hand, you can walk, hike, bike, run, play games and do much more. Being outside increases your chance of being active, because many of the activities associated with being outside lend themselves to movement.
Improved concentration
Studies have shown children with ADHD score better on tests after spending time outdoors. ADHD expert Dr. Stephanie Starkis writes in an article from Psychology Today that, “I have noticed in my practice that people with ADHD, regardless of age, tend to have an affinity for nature and the outdoors.” After the mind has been given time to relax, it seems likely that it would be easier to concentrate.
With all these great side effects, what are you waiting for? The Great Outdoors are ready to be explored.