From Physical Activity to Smelling the Roses - The Neglected Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors

From Physical Activity to Smelling the Roses - The Neglected Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors By Camryn Bland Youth Columnis The majority of a teenager's day is spent at school, with the remainder being occupied by homework, extracurricular activities, and digital entertainment. However, that schedule lacks one crucial thing; time spent outside. Whether you are passing time at a local park, an outdoor sports event, or simply in your backyard, time spent outdoors is critical for adolescent health, both physically and mentally. Most teenagers are busy, which makes it easy to forget about fresh air and sunshine. The issue is, this forgetfulness causes adolescents to miss out on the countless health benefits of being immersed in nature. Studies show individuals between the ages of twelve to twenty should spend one to two hours outside daily, yet most teens dedicate less than thirty minutes a day to the outdoors. This deficit cannot continue to be normalized; instead, adolescents need to get off their phones and get into nature. So, what are teens really missing out on when they neglect the outdoors? Some of the many physical benefits of spending time outdoors include increased physical activity, improved eyesight, vitamin D, and better sleep. I am not a particularly athletic individual, however, the outdoors always encourage me to engage in physical activity, whether that be by walking, riding my bike, swimming, or participating in a game of basketball. Just by sitting outside, you are improving your health, as natural sunlight is better for your eyes than the blue light of electronics, and sunshine provides your body with vitamin D to strengthen your bones and immune system. Spending time outdoors improves more than physical health; it also benefits mental health, as it connects you to nature, provides a break from stressors, and improves mood. Whenever I find myself overthinking or having a bad day, I walk my dog or ride my bike. This forces me to reflect on and review the natural beauty aroundme, which significantly increases my mood. When I look around and analyze what I am going through, I ask myself, is this really relevant in the grand scheme of everything around me? The answer is usually no, and that’s freeing. When you’re stuck indoors,you feel confined to personal issues, which feels both overwhelming and hopeless. Time outside removes you from an anxious headspace and into a new one of gratitude and contentment. After outdoor reflection, I often realize my problem was not as serious as I originally thought, or that a solution was available the whole time. Time spent outside can also be a large inspiration and creative influence in our lives. From writing to painting to photography, nature has always been a muse for those who create, whether they be professional or amateur. So, appreciate the grace; let yourself observe. Observe the sounds, images, and smells which you come across, and be inspired. Listen to the birds sing, look at the flowers, and smell the roses. Use that inspiration in everyday life, in whatever way it applies to you. Time outside will fuel your creativity and imagination in ways you would not originally expect, you just have to let it. Being immersed in the outdoors is one of the most productive and meaningful uses of time, regardless of the activity you are engaged in outdoors. The parks, gardens, and forests which surround us are all sources of health, reflection, recreation, and inspiration, we just have to take the time to use them as such. So, next time you find yourself bored or unproductive, take a break from your routine and connect with nature. Through this, you will find an abundance of benefits which will change your life for the better.