What if we tell you that there’s a miraculous antidote that can enhance your moods, reduce your medication use, supply your daily dosage of vitamin D, and improve your sleep? This solution isn’t in the form of a magic potion and it’s completely free and easily obtainable. It’s as simple as putting on your shoes and heading outdoors. Time spent in nature can help older adults in a variety of ways. Whether you live in your humble abode, a respite care center, or an assisted living community, get out and take in the sunshine! Here’s why outdoor activities are important for your loved ones.
Get Better Sleep
Your family member may improve overall sleep by engaging their body in outdoor physical activities regularly. Exercise causes the body to produce endorphins, sometimes known as happy chemicals. It also aids the release of serotonin and dopamine, which promote the relaxation of the human body. Your loved one should be able to fall asleep easier when their body is calm.
Physical activities also tend to use a great deal of energy, leaving the body exhausted. This can help your parents or grandparents enter the deep sleep phase more quickly while snoozing. This is a critical stage since it is at this time that the body’s physical recovery takes place. Improved sleep also assists to keep infections distant and prevent heart diseases.
Gain Doses of Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is a very frequent phenomenon. Your loved one can be in danger of having health complications if they don’t receive enough of this micronutrient. While dietary modifications and supplements might help, sweating outside daily is an excellent strategy to increase vitamin D levels and lower the risk of illnesses.
Because humans obtain vitamin D mostly from sunshine, getting outside is the most ideal method to increase levels. Do you know that summertime sunshine exposure develops roughly 3000 IU of vitamin D in only 15 minutes? Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have discovered a strong correlation between vitamin D and working in preventing heart attacks and strokes. Your outdoor opportunities are limitless, from calming beach walks to heart-pumping mountain hikes and peaceful gardening.
Improved Mood and Mental Health
According to a study done by the University of York, participating in nature-based activities enhanced mood, reduced anxiety, and expanded pleasant feelings. The research revealed that activities spanning 20 to 90 minutes that are continued for eight to 12 weeks produce the best results for boosting mood and lowering tension. Gardening was one of the activities linked to improved mental health.
Additionally, University of Michigan researchers discovered an association between group nature walks and depression. The study found that it could lead to a reduced feeling of stress and improve overall mental health. Furthermore, what’s there not to love about the smell of freshly cut grass, vibrant flora and fauna, and the opportunity to inhale the crisp, fresh air?
It is undeniable that being active outside has a variety of physical and mental health advantages. Trekking, boating, planting, and other hobbies can all assist to enhance your loved one’s general well-being while also reducing stress symptoms. Encourage them to take doses of vitamin D and get better sleep while they are at it!
