5 Benefits of Being Outdoors

I am a city girl – I live on Chicago’s Michigan Ave. (probably the busiest street in the Midwest) and work on Daley Plaza – I love everything big city has to offer! I walk to work and on the way back home can enjoy numerous museums, restaurants and concerts. But true rejuvenation and reenergizing for me happens outdoors. 

Here are 5 reasons for being outdoors which help me to stay healthy and focused:

1.  Boosts energy- I love coffee in the morning, but I feel the same boost of energy with a brisk walk outside. One study suggests that spending 20 minutes in the open air gives your brain an energy boost comparable to one cup of coffee

2.   Natural Sunlight Enhance Creativity– My best ideas come to me when I am outdoors on a hike, bike ride or a kayak. On my recent hike in Yellowstone I came up with new product name for the upcoming collection – can’t wait to share it with you soon!

3.  Boost to the immune system- Scientists think that breathing in phytoncides—airborne chemicals produced by plants—increases our levels of white blood cells, helping us fight off infections and diseases.  

4.  It feels easier to exercise outdoors– I struggle going to the gym to get on a stationary bike. Even 5 minutes feel like the longest 5 minutes of my life, but I am thrilled to get on my bike and cycle 100km outdoors.  This might be thanks to your verdant surroundings. In one small study, researchers had cyclists pedal in front of green, grey, and red video footage. The bikers who exercised in front of the green reported feeling less physical exertion and more positive moods—meaning that grass, trees, and plants might add a psychological energy boost to your workout.

5.  Good for the vision- Research shows that elementary school students who spend more time outdoors are less likely to develop nearsightedness.

Enjoy the Outdoors!

Photo: Jackson Hole, WY. Sep 2019

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