Our motto at The Outdoor GreatRoom Company is to "Bring Home Outside" and sure, much of that relates to our gas fire pits being an outdoor appliance, but it's also a reflection of the importance and joy being outside can bring.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA) spending at least two hours outside every week improves both physical and mental health! Whether you do the two hours all at once or break it up into little chunks doesn't matter and more than two hours never hurt!
In this week's blog, we'll take a look at four key benefits of spending time outdoors.
Stress Reduction
Not only does being outside positively impact your life on a week-to-week basis, but also on the day-to-day! Researchers from the University of Michigan found that 20 minutes spent in any natural outdoor space can significantly reduce cortisol (hormone that causes stress) levels.
Susan Albers, PsyD, psychologist for the Cleveland Clinic, says that sitting around a fire can have a similar effect. The sounds, smells and warmth from the fire can invoke feelings of nostalgia and relaxation.
“All of these experiences and memories can trigger the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain, whether they're serotonin, dopamine, or endorphins. All of these are pleasure chemicals that help us to feel good and boost our mood," she says.
So if you're ever feeling stressed or just need a pick-me-up, 20 minutes outside at your gas fire pit is a recipe for an improved mental state!
Vitamin D
VItamin D is one of the most important nutrients for your body, but unlike other vitamins isn't very common in food or drinks, so being outside is the best way to get it! This is because your body can absorb Vitamin D directly from the sunlight! There are some pretty neat scientific explanations for how this process works, but essentially your skin (can't be blocked by sunscreen or clothing) absorbs the sunlight and your body does its magic and converts that into Vitamin D, specifically Vitamin D3.
Experts suggest that 10-15 minutes of sunlight, twice a week does the trick for absorbing the needed amount of Vitamin D!
The Mayo Clinic says Vitamin D, combined with Calcium, helps to strengthen your bones. By itself, Vitamin D helps your body strengthening its immune system and keeps your muscles and brain cells operating smoothly.
So just think, an afternoon sitting around your fire sipping on a warm beverage is not only relaxing, but is good for your long-term health!
Mental Stimulation
A study in Denmark conducted by European researchers Trine Plambech and Cecil C. Konijnendijk van den Bosch found that being outdoors, especially in green areas, enhances creative thinking, stimulates curiosity and recharges focus.
These findings were backed up in additional studies, which showed that time in nature can boost your creative problem-solving abilities, helping with things like writer's block, burnout and lack of focus.
Another study found that people who spend five or more hours outside on weekends tend to have a lower risk of mild depression than people who spend less than 30 minutes outdoors.
Better Sleep
Your body has a function called its circadian rhythm, which simply put is its natural 24-hour cycle. According to UCLA Health, It impacts things like sleep, energy levels, body temperature and various hormonal changes. Sunlight and time spent outside, especially in the morning, can help regulate your circadian rhythm, allowing your body to align with the day and night cycle and helping you to sleep and wake more soundly!
So next time you're feeling a little restless, take a breather outdoors to start your day and maybe light up your gas fire pit while you're out there (remember 2 hours per day outside makes a big difference!)
No matter your reason for getting outside, more often than not you'll be better off because of it and you can never go wrong sitting around a gas fire pit while you're at it. Visit your local dealer to find your dream fire pit today!
