Lighter evenings improve your mood
The arrival of lighter evenings can remind you that there is life beyond work and the washing up. With summer on the way, getting out and about is a good way to give your physical and mental health a boost.
Interact with nature
No matter what your age, being close to nature is good for you. Several studies have demonstrated the negative impact that being disconnected from nature can have on the mental health of children and adults. Not having opportunities to interact with nature has been associated with issues such as depression, anxiety and attention deficit disorders.
The good news is that even a short period of time spent in a natural environment is enough make a difference to your mental health. As well as helping to relieve stress, psychological studies have shown that a one hour walk in a park can increase your memory and attention span by 20 percent.
Take some fresh air
Breathing fresh air is particularly important for your physical and mental health. The air that circulates in offices, shops and classrooms is often stale and lacking in oxygen, which can lead to feelings of tiredness, mental fatigue and irritability.
Getting outside to breathe some fresh air will replenish your cells with oxygen, stimulate your lymphatic system and release feel-good endorphins into your blood stream. Just inhaling a few deep breaths of fresh, clean air is often enough to make a real difference to your mood.
Get some sun
Sunshine is proven to have a significant effect on feelings of happiness. Sunlight directly affects the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain which plays an important part in controlling mood.
A lack of exposure to sunlight can contribute to depression and seasonal mood disorders, so getting out and about in the sun is another great way to lift your spirits. Take care to limit exposure to a few minutes each day, however, as over exposure to the sun is a major risk factor in the development of skin cancer.
Start talking
Humans are social animals who thrive on contact with other people. It stands to reason therefore that interacting with other people is an important factor in maintaining good mental health.
Talking to other people for as little as ten minutes per day has been proven to help prevent and reduce depression, as well as having a significant impact on mood and memory. Whether you arrange to meet up with friends or simply say hello to passing strangers in the street, spending time outside means plenty of opportunities for socialising.
Where to go and what to do
So now you know the benefits of getting out and about, what are you going to do about it? Easy ways to take advantage of the lighter evenings include going for a walk in the park or getting together with friends for a game of football. If you have a family, take the children for a picnic or have a barbecue in the back garden.
Tending to your plants and flowers in the garden can be an enjoyable way to spend an evening. Even if you only have a balcony, sitting outside for a few minutes will allow you to grab some fresh air so take a deep breath, fill your lungs and relax!
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