5 Health Benefits of Eating Outdoors
Who doesn't love Alfresco Dinning? For most of us the perfect day would be predominantly spent in nature, however many of us have commitments that require us be be indoors for many hours every day. All the more reason to take every opportunity we have to be outside! Even a quick picnic in the park or garden has its benefits and here is why...
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REDUCES STRESS
Studies have shown that spending time outdoors decreases stress hormones, eases muscle tension, lowers our heart rate and blood pressure. it also helps us experience more positive and calm emotions and feelings. When our body is in a state of relaxation as apposed to stress when we eat, we absorb the nutrients more effectively.
BOOSTS MOOD
Being indoors for most of the day has been linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression. Research shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile. You'd be amazed at how different your day will turn out if you are able to start it by enjoying your morning coffee and breakfast outside.
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IMPROVES CONCENTRATION
Studies show that eating outdoors in nature can improve attention, memory and concentration. Being in a natural environment is likely to ease brain fatigue, have a positive effect on cognitive function, restore drifting attention and sharpen thinking.
Studies show that eating outdoors in nature can improve attention, memory and concentration. Being in a natural environment is likely to ease brain fatigue, have a positive effect on cognitive function, restore drifting attention and sharpen thinking.
LOWERS RISK OF CHRONIC DISEASES
Chronic diseases including high blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease and stroke have all been associated with high levels of cortisol - the stress hormone. While we still need this hormone in our bodies, it can have a detrimental effect on our long term health if present for a prolonged period of time.
Being in nature, even for brief periods of time, can lower our cortisol levels, and over time can reduce our risk of chronic disease. Exposure to sunlight, even on a cloudy day, boosts white blood cell and Vitamin D production - a great hormone that we all need to protect against many diseases including stroke, heart attacks and depression - ultimately improving our immune systems. So more time outside is key to help address the deficiencies that many of us have reported feeling the effects of.
Eating outside, especially with friends and family, instantly impacts our cortisol levels - reducing them quite dramatically. When done regularly - eating outdoors can reduce inflammation and give our immune system a much needed boost.
IMPROVES SLEEP QUALITY
Another great benefit of eating outdoors is improvement of our sleep. Being indoors for long periods of time surrounded by stale air or air conditioned buildings has been said to reduce the quality of our sleep. Filling our lungs and bodies with fresh air while we eat also helps us to digest food properly, which in turn will help our bodies do what it does best when we are asleep - rejuvenate. The better we sleep, the more effective , relaxed, and ultimately happier we are.
