I think the whole spring-turning-to-summer time may just be “the most wonderful time of the year” for me. I love the clean air and sunny skies and green grass. I think all meals taste better eaten outside and I think the smell of a campfire or BBQ is divine. And even better – I LOVE exercising and being active outside. So once the temperature starts rising you can find me lacing up my sneakers and hitting the road instead of the treadmill and hopping on my road bike instead of the spin bike. 

As part of our year of healthy resolutions, for the month of May we challenge you to spend more time outside.

Ditch the screens and hit the green (grass)! There have been studies done showing that being outside in general makes people be more active. And getting healthy is just about that – simply being more active. Spending more time moving than sitting! Being outside also helps us get that much needed vitamin D from the sun. In the 2008 Scottish Health Survey they found that outdoor physical activity had a 50% greater positive effect on mental health than going to the gym.  Then in a 2011 study it was found that outdoor exercise was associated with greater decreases in tension, confusion, anger and depression when compared to indoor activity. How’s that for a reason to get outside?

Here are some ways to get outside this month:  

Hope you find yourself out in the sun this month!

Trisha

January: Reduce Negative Self Talk
February: Sit Less
March: Up Your Exercise
April: Go Meatless