people running

Get outdoors to boost your physical and mental health

Ever feel healthier when you are active outdoors? Well, this may sound obvious, but you will be glad to know that a growing number of studies have recorded participants feeling healthier and happier after being active outdoors.

Other researchers have found that people feel more positive when they exercise outdoors - compared to indoors. A study recorded in the Environmental Science and Technology Journal found that getting active in natural environments was associated with greater feelings of revitalisation, increased energy and positive engagement, together with decreased tension, confusion, anger and depression. So with spring mostly sprung why not get outdoors, get active and focus on your health as summer approaches?

5 benefits of being outdoors and active

If you are looking for some reasons why you should get outdoors and active, here they are:

1. It promotes positive thoughts Two separate studies conducted at Stanford University found that people who walked in a natural setting - as opposed to an urban one - “showed decreased activity in a region of the brain associated with a key factor in depression”.They also experienced less anxiety, were less likely to focus on negative thoughts, and more likely to experience positive emotions and happiness.

2. Your Vitamin D levels go up Being outdoors usually means you are exposed to sunshine, which means your skin helps to give your body a dose of Vitamin D. Besides being one of the few vitamins that actually helps to fight disease, it is also thought to offer protection against osteoporosis, heart attacks and depression.

A 2005 University of Pittsburgh study found that hospitalised patients who were exposed to natural light experienced less pain and stress and took fewer pain medications. So if you are not feeling 100 per cent or have a niggling injury, getting outdoors and into the sunshine is definitely not going to hurt - but could actually help you recover.

people on a hike

4. It can improve your physical health A UK study found that participants in a nature challenge - walking, hiking, gardening and feeding birds - showed “statistically significant increases in reported feelings of happiness and healthiness”. They put this down to exercise and a sense of purpose and connectedness - which all contributed to helping people feel resilient and more able to cope. There is also research evidence that exposure to the natural world can reduce hypertension, respiratory diseases and cardiovascular illnesses. And if you are outdoors and active it will also help you burn calories and keep your weight at a healthy level.

5. It increases your self esteem and powers of concentration Getting outdoors and being active can also do wonders for your self esteem and even improve your powers of concentration. Exercise also helps your body to release endorphins, which not only reduce your perception of pain, but trigger that positive feeling that washes over your body after a good workout. So, what are you waiting for? Make a plan to get outdoors and active so you can reap the health benefits and feel fantastic - it is highly likely to put a smile on your face.

With our range of non-alcoholic wines you can still enjoy a glass, or more, and wake up the next day feeling 100% - so you can get up, out and active first thing. All our varietals are available online, or check availability at your local stockist. Selected products are available in the beverage aisle at these retailers:

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