Enjoy summer, it’s healthy!
It’s summer now. The weather is warm, the grass is green. Children are free from school and many adults have holidays. There is no better opportunity to enjoy the lovely scenery than now. Besides the fact that walking the woods and playing football on the lawn is fun, it is healthy both physically and mentally. Here you can read about the health benefits of being out in nature. So enjoy summer, it is healthy!
Away with cortisol, in with serotonin
Cortisol is the body’s long-lasting stress hormone that helps in fighting infections in the body and affects blood sugar levels. Too much cortisol over a long period of time provides constant feeling of fatigue without being able to sleep.
One study suggests that cortisol in the body can be significantly reduced even at short stays of 20-30 minutes of length.
Speaking of hormones, staying in nature leads to a boost in the body’s level of serotonin, a joy hormone. More specifically, studies suggest that access to sunlight, serotonin and seasonal mood follow along.
Sun makes strong
Sunlight has another advantage, namely that it provides vitamin D, which regulates blood calcium levels and supports the immune system. Without vitamin D, muscles become weak, bones become more fragile, and teeth fall into disrepair. The sun is the primary source of vitamin D, and it’s just a matter of getting out into the light and getting a dose before autumn sets in and it gets darker again.
Running for the endorphins
Endorphins are painkillers found naturally in the body. They de-stress and soothe, and exercise is an obvious way to form them. Whether you’re going for a ride, kayaking or riding a bike doesn’t matter. The endorphins will come.
Green lowers blood pressure
High blood pressure increases the risk of clogged arteries, where deposits of fat and calcium thicken the innermost layers of the body’s vein. This with the risk of blood clots.
Nature also helps you to lower your blood pressure. A meta-study of 140 studies by British Norwich Medical School shows that increased exposure to plants results in lower blood pressure, in addition to also lowering the risk of type II diabetes and asthma.
.