Why Outdoor Living Is So Good For You

A nationwide report shows that we spend 142 hours a week indoors on average. With studies showing that spending time outdoors can help our health in multiple ways, it’s clear we should all be doing what we can to maximise the time we spend outside.

The science – how can being outdoors make you healthier?

Research shows that being in the great outdoors can benefit your physical and mental health in numerous ways.

Boost your immune system

We keep being told that sun exposure is bad for our health. However, the sun helps us synthesise Vitamin D, which is crucial for the function of our immune systems.  In the summer and spring in the UK, just 10-15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure on 22% of uncovered skin is enough to synthesise 1000 IU of vitamin D3.

Reduces cardiovascular disease

Research shows that just observing and existing in nature lowers blood pressure. It centres us emotionally and psychologically and reduces stress hormones like cortisol. Cortisol is responsible for multiple negative health outcomes, including inflammatory responses, heart and circulatory disease, obesity and metabolic disease. This can impact so many health outcomes, including our risks of developing type II diabetes, heart disease, stroke and even cancer. Conversely, research shows a positive correlation between green space exposure and avoiding these health pitfalls.

There are also exercise benefits. We are much more likely to be active outdoors. Whether that’s playing games or sports, walking or gardening. Physical activity has long been touted as the key to health and longevity.

Natural light

There’s evidence that being regularly exposed to natural light helps reduce eye strain. But it also helps us to tune into our circadian rhythm and sleep better. Natural light is also reported to ward off seasonal depression, even in winter.

Mental health benefits

Spending time outdoors all year round has been proven to help avoid and manage multiple mental health conditions. We’ve already covered out being outdoors in nature provides opportunities for grounding, which is an anxiety-fighting technique recommended by psychologists. 

Gives the brain a boost

Spending time outdoors can help mood and focus, even providing relief for symptoms of ADHD. It’s also been proven that families who spend time together outdoors experience improved relationships and fewer behavioural concerns from children. Studies have shown that daily exposure to green spaces can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s. Gardening can lower the risk of developing dementia by a whopping 36%.

Make the most of your outside space

It’s believed that a lack of access to green spaces is one of the major causative factors behind health inequality between socioeconomic groups. The significance of having access to outdoor space for health and social outcomes cannot be overlooked. So, if you’re fortunate enough to have a garden of your own, no matter how small, it’s a great opportunity. The next step is to make it somewhere you want to spend your time to ensure you make the most of it.

Our entire business is centred around making your outdoor space as inviting and functional as possible. This could just pay dividends for your health. Just one of the many rewards of investing in making your garden a place you love to spend time in. 

Speaking of rewards, for every Composite Prime® purchase, you are eligible for entering our monthly prize draw. Take a look at our Rewards App to find out about the latest rewards on offer – you could win an Apple Watch, an Ooni Dual Fuel Pizza Oven or even a £100 Just Eat Voucher!