Staying Active Outdoors

Did you know that your outdoor activities can and will improve your mood and overall well-being?

According to Dr. Susanne Preston, a Clinical Mental Health Counseling instructor, from South University says spending time outside is good for a person’s mental health, as it allows them to de-stress.  

“The fresh air and sunlight have the largest benefits,” Preston says. “For example, with increased exposure to natural sunlight, incidents of seasonal affective disorder decrease. When individuals are exposed to natural sunlight, the vitamin D in their skin helps to elevate their moods.”

“Research has shown that spending time in nature has been associated with decreased levels of mental illness, with the strongest links to reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, in addition to increased self-esteem,” Preston says. 

And of course, being more active outside isn’t just beneficial for your mental health, it will also help to improve your physical health.   

Moving your body outside as opposed to indoors can help:

Boost your immune system because your body behaves differently in nature, your body wants to naturally protect itself from disease. 

You’ll burn more calories due to natures changing environments, such as wind resistance and changing terrain. 

You will also work out longer and harder because you are more likely to have more fun and lose track of time by being outside than stuck inside the gym looking at the same four walls.  

With all that fun, you may run into pain from previous injury or existing strain. That is why OrthoSleeve is dedicated to making easy-to-wear compression sleeves and performance socks to keep you moving and doing what you love.