The clocks change this month, which means we can look forward to welcoming British summertime again. It’s the perfect time of year to start getting outdoors after a long winter spent in the house, so let’s remind ourselves of some more reasons to get off the couch and get active.
It’s Great for Recovery
Research carried out by Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology found that green spaces had a positive benefit on people recovering from illness. Professor Roger Ulrich found that the benefit was even seen in patients who could see trees from their hospital window. Viewing nature and being immersed in it are profoundly beneficial to body and mind.
Being Outside Sets Our Biological ClocksLight pollution is a very real global problem that is negatively impacting many species, including humans. Most species need the darkness in order to thrive – and even survive – and dark skies are good for our biological clocks. Nocturnal release of melatonin has a protective effect on the body.
Great for Children
All children should be outside regularly, climbing trees, sitting on the grass, floating sticks down a stream and generally experiencing the great outdoors. Nature Deficit Disorder is a term that describes an absence of this rich experience, which can negatively affect development, creativity and fitness. There are plenty of ideas for activities that families can do together to enjoy exploration, enjoyment and discovery in the great outdoors.
Education and Teens
Many organisations actively work with teens in the outdoors as a way to help build their confidence and allow them to fulfil their potential. Well-delivered outdoor education is recognised by educational bodies such as Ofsted to benefit pupils on all levels. Whether it’s orienteering, camping or Nottingham tank driving at https://www.armourgeddon.co.uk/, there are plenty of ways to get young people outdoors and developing their physical, problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
It Keeps Ageing at Bay
There is a proven link between dementia progress and lack of time spend outdoors. The less time we spend in nature, the more likely our lives are to be impacted in a negative way. Nature is seen to have a preventative benefit.
So what are you waiting for? Celebrate the coming summer, shake off the winter cobwebs and get outdoors and have some fun!
