Image: Olga Danylenko/Shutterstock
Most of us live in entirely climate controlled environments. The majority of Americans are lucky enough to have adequate shelter, with ways to heat and cool the indoors enough so that it’s always fairly comfortable. Particularly because most jobs are also done indoors, it’s completely possible to spend your days going from one indoor environment into another. But the world of nature is still out there waiting for you—and here’s why your health will benefit if you make it a priority to get outside.
Soak Up the Sun
Exposure to sunlight is an often overlooked essential part of good health, especially if you are a dedicated sunscreen user. A recent study showed that most Americans are deficient in vitamin D, which is most readily converted from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Vitamin D is thought to play a role in many illnesses that cause chronic pain, including fibromyalgia, and some studies suggest that vitamin D supplements could provide pain relief for fibromyalgia sufferers.
A Natural Mood Booster
Fibromyalgia is not all in your head, but there is still a well-documented link between stress, depression, and fibromyalgia symptoms. A recent study showed that a group nature walk had significant effects in improving mood and reducing symptoms of stress and depression. Simply having fibromyalgia can be stressful and depressing sometimes, so you may want to see if taking a nature walk can help.
Improve your Focus
Forgetfulness is a key symptom of fibromyalgia, leading to what some sufferers call the famous “fibro fog.” Poor memory and confusion are common in fibromyalgia. However, spending more time outside may have a positive effect on your concentration and mental state. Getting outside in nature gives your brain a break, especially from the negative effects of exposure to blue light from electronics such as computers and smartphones.
Get Some Exercise
Exercise is widely recommended for treating most health conditions, including fibromyalgia. However, going to the gym and walking on a treadmill can get boring after a while. Going for a walk or bike ride outdoors can be a lot more enjoyable, especially if you do so with a friend or loved one. As little as 20 to 30 minutes in the fresh air can help relieve muscle soreness and fatigue.
Breathe Better
We are surrounded by a variety of air pollutants, both indoors and out. However, the air indoors is continually re-circulated and concentration of chemicals is greater, making our potential exposure to pollutants much higher. Spending some time in fresh air can reduce your exposure to indoor air pollutants, some of which may cause headaches, asthma, and sleep problems.
Boost Your Immune System
Spending time in nature can boost your immune system and make it easier for your body to fight off viruses. According to a Japanese study, spending 6 hours in the woods over a two-day period increased the participants’ natural virus- and tumor-fighting white blood cells. While fibro sufferers might not spend this much time outdoors –unless while taking a camping trip—it’s possible that shorter periods of time spent in nature c
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