Are you looking for a reason to get outside this Summer? Look no further! It's 'love parks week', a time to celebrate our green open spaces, and at this time of year, they look more vibrant than ever. Not only do our green spaces offer an opportunity to be outside in nature, but spending time outdoors also provides excellent benefits for your health and well-being.
Here are 6 reasons why loving parks can support you in loving your health too:
1 .Encourages movement
Going for a walk in the park is a great way to keep your body moving, and it's especially important for the health of your spine. Movement does wonders for the health of your joints, along with the supporting tissues around them.
2. Daily dose of Vitamin D
Exposing your skin to sunlight is an excellent way to create Vitamin D, which supports all areas of health, including the health of your bones, a robust immune system, and regulating moods. Even just 10 minutes a day outside can have significant health benefits.
3. Boosts mood
Being outdoors and moving your body can help produce dopamine and serotonin, known as the ‘happy hormones’. These hormones can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels and improve overall mood. Understandably after a long day getting outside may be the last thing you want to do, but with a little perseverance it could turn out to be the highlight of your day!
4. Allows a moment to pause
Spending time in nature can help you take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Simply taking a moment to appreciate the trees, flowers, and animals around you can help to let go of the daily stress and focus on something else.
5. Opportunity to explore new places
Exploring local parks and nature reserves can be a fun and exciting adventure. You might be surprised at what you find and the wildlife you encounter. So why not try somewhere new and see what you find?
6. Increases creativity
Being outside, surrounded by nature has been shown to increase creativity. For example, a study found that backpackers who spent time outdoors scored 50% higher on creativity tests than those who spent their time indoors1!
If you’re having a tough week and feel like you need some time out to calm your mind or get your creativity flowing, then venturing to your local park may be the solution. It will also support your health journey in the process! Where are your favourite parks or open spaces? We would love to hear about your upcoming adventures! Aceso Chiropractic References: 1. Atchley RA, Strayer DL, Atchley P. (2012). Creativity in the wild: improving creative reasoning through immersion in natural settings. PLoS One. 7(12) The content of this blog is for educational purposes and is not intended to offer personal medical advice. You should seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog.
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