As temperatures rise, it’s the perfect time to get outside!
A recent survey by Sleep Junkie revealed that people in the Great Lakes region spent only 19 hours and 48 minutes outdoors this winter. That averages out to just over two hours of natural light each week.
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Many respondents cited cold weather as a major reason for staying indoors. Interestingly, residents in Alaska managed to spend 31 hours and 30 minutes outside, despite facing much colder temperatures than we do here in Michigan.
According to the survey, 17% of those surveyed pointed to early darkness as a factor, reminding us how winter’s short days can make our world feel smaller.
But stepping into nature can do wonders for our well-being. A report from the Mayo Clinic Press highlights that exposure to nature can help regulate the sympathetic nervous system in as little as five minutes.
“This means that we can get an almost immediate benefit from stepping outside,” says Mayo Clinic nurse practitioner Jodie M. Smith. “And doing so on a recurrent basis may prevent cumulative effects from stress, which could mean a lower risk for chronic disease, illness, and mortality.”
Additionally, 85% of those surveyed said they’d tweak their daily routine if they knew 30 minutes outdoors could lower their risk of dying early.
If you’re curious about how much time you need to spend in nature, studies suggest that sessions lasting between 20 and 90 minutes are most beneficial for mental health. Activities like gardening, nature-based therapy, and exercising in green spaces have proven to be particularly effective for adults.
“There are added benefits that can come from prolonged immersion, so each week try to spend an hour outside doing something you enjoy, and each month try to spend a half day [outside],” says Smith.
So, now that the warmer weather is here, why not take advantage of it and enjoy the great outdoors? As far as next winter goes, bundle up and get outside!
