When the weather outside hovers around zero, your first choice might be to stay inside in your Houston property for the rest of the winter. It may be cold, but you need to know that it’s important to go outside. Research has backed the claim that too much time spent indoors is not good for your mental and physical health. So, even if you are sheltering in place, you need to make an effort to get fresh air and sunlight every day. If you need more convincing to dress warm and go outside, here are 5 more reasons.
1. Daylight boosts your mood.
Sunlight is like a happy pill. Sunlight produces more serotonin, a natural chemical in the brain that makes you feel good. But natural light is beneficial for your mood in other ways, too. You need to go outside since natural light is scarce in the winter. If it’s not possible to go far, staying on your porch, balcony, or yard on a sunny day is good enough.
2. Sunlight helps prevent disease.
When sunlight hits your skin, your body would then create and activate vitamin D. Studies have shown that a lack of vitamin D can lead to a wide range of serious mental and physical health issues, from depression to osteoporosis. But if you make it a point to get some sun especially during these cold times, you increase your body’s response against cancer or heart attacks.
3. Spending time outdoors can improve your memory.
Spending time outdoors while walking can improve your memory especially when you walk around a park or to areas with natural scenery. Research has shown that communing with nature improves recall by 20%, this is something not achieved by walking in city streets. If you don’t have access to green spaces, don’t worry as long as you do physical activities outdoors, it can relieve stress and improve concentration.
4. Going outside is good exercise.
For a healthier lifestyle, consider cutting downtime on the couch and the kitchen. This will then translate to you spending more time outdoors and getting more exercise. Even a brisk walk around the block or the local park can make a big difference in your physical strength and endurance. If you have a favorite outdoor activity, find a way to do it consistently.
5. Sunlight boosts your immune system.
During the wintertime, do you usually get the colds or the flu? Not getting enough sun during these months may be the cause of your problem. Researchers will tell you that if you spend time outdoors, your stress hormones decrease and that allows your immunity to increase. There is a belief that the cold can let you catch a cold. Not true. Doing physical activity outside is good for you as it prevents you from seasonal illnesses because the activity flushes away bacteria from your airways.
You may be tempted to stay inside where it’s warm, but you shouldn’t miss the benefits the winter sun has for you.
Are you looking for a Houston rental home with parks and other amenities nearby? We can help! Contact us today online or call us at 281-984-7463.
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