8 Reasons to Get Outside

I love being outside and spending time in nature.

I spend some time outdoors almost every day, usually walking — rain, shine, snow, fog... doesn't matter! Even when I plan trips, I plan around nature (and good vegan food!).

I encourage you to get outside, get some daylight exposure, and spend some time in blue-green spaces (a garden, forest, mountain, lake, ocean, greenhouse etc.). If you need some reasons to do so, they're listed below some pictures I took from a trip to the Bruce Peninsula this year:

Here are 8 reasons to get outside:

• Regulates cortisol (our stress hormone) levels

• Decreases blood pressure

• Improves mood and mental health — anxiety and depression scores

• May support vitamin D levels (depending on sunlight exposure, time of year, genetics etc.)

• Improves pain (tolerance)

• Regulates our circadian rhythm/biological clock

• Improves sleep quality

• Provides a chance to be mindful, offering perspective on life

Most of these reasons stem from research done on the practice of forest-bathing, from the Japanese "shinrin yoku". So, get outside, folks; even a few minutes can be helpful!