Three reasons to go outside today

"And into the forest, I go, to lose my mind and find my soul" -John Muir

Being outside on a sunny day, with the breeze brushing your arms and birds singing in the air, does some wonderful things for your body and mind. Keep reading to learn three proven benefits of spending more time outdoors.

1.You will exercise. 

Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your mental and physical health. It helps to reduce risk of heart disease as well as other illnesses. And overall improves your mental health and mood. When you take a walk outdoors you are getting great exercise and even using your muscles and making them stronger as you walk against the wind, go up a slight hill, or manage rocky terrain. Try setting a goal to walk for at least twenty minutes a day. 

Kaaterskill falls, New York

2. Improve memory. 

Being outside helps to fight against mental fatigue as well as improve memory. Walking outside, or simply enjoying the outdoors for an hour was found to improve short-term memory by twenty percent, a study done by the University of Michigan found that walking outdoors, no matter the season or the weather, does great things for your memory and mental awareness. 

3. Reduce stress. 

Breathing fresh air is an instant stress reliever. Spending time outdoors has been found to have similar effects to a few minutes of meditating. It helps to lower your heart rate and control your blood pressure. Sunlight has been found to increase serotonin levels. This will help you to stay calm and be positive throughout the day. 

Through these winter months I find it hard to get motivated to spend time outdoors, but when I do I always find myself feeling better. There are so many reasons to get moving and get outside, and hopefully these few will motivate you to slow down and take a breath of fresh air. 

Bringing my furry sidekick Lily along always adds extra joy.