Hey! – Rob here
Your Daily Health Fix today is about …
The understated importance of getting OUTDOORS
An unsurprising observation:
Numerous studies have noted the lower rates of depression and other mental health conditions in people and communities that spend greater amounts of time outdoors.
A modern day problem:
We’re disconnected from the earth. Synthetic shoes, electrically isolating building materials, artificial lights and mechanical ventilation systems.
What sunlight does for us:
Sunlight (including grey daylight), up-regulates serotonin production in the brain, which not only helps make us feel calmer and more content, but also sets us up for better sleep when it is converted into melatonin later in the day.
At the same time, exposure to UV on the skin has multiple positive effects, not least promoting the production of vitamin D, but also for regulating blood pressure to name but a few.
An added bonus:
The chances are high that if you’re outside you’re probably also doing something active, be it walking, playing a sport, doing tasks around the house, working or exploring – physical activity also helps to regulate your circadian rhythms, and also promote serotonin production, not to mention all the other more obvious benefits of exercise.
Try this tomorrow:
Don’t look at your phone, TV or computer until you have gone outside for 10-15 minutes. The earlier in the day the better (after sunrise). This ground rule will set you up for a more focussed and calm, yet energised and productive day.
. . . That’s it for this dose,
Until the next time – Stay Motivated!💪🏼
Rob
P.S. If you’re enjoying these updates and they are helping you, please support me and The Health Fix by buying me a coffee ☕️
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