The answer: get out and breathe!

#positivity #loveyourbody #loveyoursmile

There’s a lot going on at the moment about the benefits of the outdoors – for both the body and the mind. With the body of research available both strong and growing, we asked ‘what’s it all about’?

This is what we found out:

Fresh air makes you happier. Fact. Being outside releases endorphins and hormones such as oxytocin, the feel good hormone. Furthermore, research has shown that the amount of serotonin your body produces increases as you breath in more oxygen. Known as the happiness hormone, serotonin plays a significant role in depression (along with much more!), and helps promote a sense of happiness and well-being. A natural way to boost both these wonderous hormones? Get out (ideally in the sun - difficult in some parts of the world, admittedly) and do some exercise. This doesn’t have to be the full-on sweat inducing sort, a stroll through the park or a gentle climb up the nearby hill will do it: a study found that a stroll through nature for just an hour and a half reported a reduction in negative thoughts.

Fresh air increases energy

It isn’t just lack of sleep or being sat at a desk for 8 hours a day that saps away our energy levels. Research shows that spending much of our time in spaces that re-circulate air adds to the problem. Apparently, coffee isn’t the best answer– the better way to replete our body’s energy resources is to get outside, breathe deeply and connect with Mother Nature.

Fresh air improves sleep quality

A study from the University of Essex found those that walked in nature for just 15-20 minutes could relax more easily compared to those that didn’t get out in the fresh air. In turn, this had a direct impact on their quality of sleep. #winning.

Fresh air strengthens your immune system

Anyone who has been suffering from (or having to put up with/ tend those that have had) the sniffles, sore-throats and colds that the end of 2017 joyfully gave a large number of us will be pleased to hear that fresh air can boost your immune system! It’s true. Apparently exercising in the fresh air can help to promote our body’s natural killer cells (neutrophils and monocytes) which, in turn, attack harmful pathogens (the nasties that can cause infections).

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