Find out how spending more time outside can be beneficial for your health.
Sunshine and warmer temperatures are here. And they couldn’t come faster for those who spent so much time indoors during the Stay Home Stay Safe order.
Fran Yee, Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s marketing director, believes spending time outdoors can be beneficial for our health.
“Direct sunlight is our bodies' main source of Vitamin D, and we can still obtain - it even on cloudy days,” she says. “Even just a few minutes of sun exposure a day can help increase Vitamin D levels, which has been known to help boost our mood. It's also a great way to start a new healthy routine - whether it's walking, biking or jogging. Just be sure to bring a mask and avoid congested areas where social distancing may be a challenge.”
Breathing fresh air is a simple way we can all feel better after spending so much time indoors. Find any reason to spend some time outside each day.
“Your pets or kids will appreciate the time outside too - whether you are playing in the yard or exploring your neighborhood on a stroll,” says Yee. “You can also set some great examples for your family by cooking at home and encourage better eating habits by including your family in the menu planning and prepping.”
Be mindful of the ways fresh air and sunlight can improve your mood and keep your day on track. Yee says she will often take a 20-minute walk in the afternoon to keep from feeling groggy or needing a nap. Listening to music and making calls as she walks makes the time go by in a flash – and often leads to a longer walk.
“It refreshes me and wakes me up so I don't have to worry about throwing off my sleep schedule by having too late of a nap,” she says. “I guess I would say it's nature's caffeine!”
Neighborhood walks can easily become a daily ritual. But don’t hesitate to venture out to parks to hike. Just be sure to wear a mask and stay 6 feet from others.
“I have recently explored Bloomer Park in Rochester Hills and found it to be beautiful,” says Yee. “They have walking and mountain biking trails. I also visited Millennium Park on the west side of the state last fall. It boasts an impressive 1,400 acres and is known as West Michigan's largest urban park. But I have to say my absolute favorite right now is the Michigan Air Line Trail that spans from Commerce to Walled Lake to Wixom. The path is extremely smooth and flat, and wide - perfect for inline skating since my hockey season is currently on hold.”
While many activities and events are on hold, it’s a great time to explore a nearby park or hiking trail as the weather improves.
“I do believe that fresh air coupled with sunlight provides a 1-2 punch in improving our moods,” says Yee. “Whatever outdoor activity you use, wear layers so you can adjust to crazy Michigan weather and don't forget your water! You may end up dehydrated and not even realize it!”
If you’ve got questions about healthy weight loss, we have answers. Learn more about Medical Weight Loss Clinic at mwlc.com.
