Engage in outdoor exercise
Description
Outdoor exercise boosts mood 50% more than indoor workouts while burning 10% more calories. Nature exposure reduces stress hormones and improves vitamin D levels naturally.
Why we recommend this
- Outdoor exercise combines the physical benefits of movement with the mental health benefits of nature exposure.
- A meta-analysis published in Environmental Science & Technology found that exercising outdoors was associated with greater feelings of revitalization, energy, and positive engagement compared to indoor exercise.
- Exposure to green space has also been linked to lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Additionally, outdoor exercise often involves more varied terrain and surfaces than indoor workouts, which can challenge your balance and engage different muscle groups for a more well-rounded fitness routine.
Usage
Aim for 20-30 minutes of outdoor exercise, 3-5 times per week. Choose activities that you enjoy and that raise your heart rate, such as brisk walking, hiking, cycling, or jogging. If weather permits, try to exercise outdoors in the morning to gain the added benefit of natural light exposure for circadian rhythm regulation.
Timing
Morning or afternoon
Important notes
- Wear appropriate clothing and sun protection
- Be mindful of weather conditions and air quality