Get Out: The Benefits Of Fresh Air & Sunshine
Summer has arrived! It’s time to come out from winter hibernation and take advantage of the warm weather, extra hours of daylight, and the highly anticipated return of the ice cream truck. It’s also a good time to refocus on your health, as there are many outdoor activities you can do to help drop that winter weight. Don’t worry...this article isn’t about guilting you into eating salads at summer barbecues or joining a crossfit club. The best kept secret of summer is that you can improve your health just by taking a couple steps outside.
Take A Deep Breath & Reduce Stress
Studies have shown that stress, as defined as too much challenge, hardship or change in your life, can cause a significant increase in your risk of illness. Doctors refer to stress as the “silent killer,” so keeping it down to manageable levels seems to be the key to both physical and mental health. Even if it’s for just a few minutes a day, go outside and get some fresh air! Fresh air has been scientifically proven to reduce stress levels and clear your mind. The more oxygen flowing to your brain, the more energized and alert you will feel.
Sun & Air = More Serotonin
There are a few different ways to avoid the summertime sadness. If you’re looking for a drug-free solution, going outside is a great place to start. Serotonin is a naturally occurring substance found in our bodies that is used to regulate how we are feeling – our mood. Fresh air and sun are widely considered to help boost serotonin levels, naturally putting you in a better mood. The sun also increases your Vitamin D levels, which helps us absorb calcium and phosphate from our food, and that helps keeps your bones, teeth, and muscles nice and strong. If you still need a little more to boost your mood, grab a snack. Serotonin levels automatically increase whenever you eat or drink.
Sleep Better After A Day In The Sun
The sun does more than give you an awesome tan. It helps your body regulate the body’s sleep cycles. Scientists call it your “circadian rhythm,” the body’s internal clock, which tells us when to feel awake and when to stretch out on the sofa and nap. Getting more sun will help your body calibrate a healthier circadian rhythm. Combine with light, daily exercise, and you can create a healthier sleeping pattern. Here’s how it works: After working up a sweat, your body burns calories cooling itself down. With all this extra energy that your body expends during a workout, you’ll feel very tired afterwards, and likely find it easier to nod off.
Strengthen Your Immune System With Sunlight
Who knew that getting in touch with nature could improve your immune system? Take a leisurely walk outside, preferably in a wooded area, and you’ll be exposed to something called “phytoncides,’ a natural byproduct of plants filled with antibacterial properties to help you fight diseases. Every breath you take helps your body increase its number of white blood cells (which kill virus-infected cells), boosting your body’s natural immune system. Sunlight also assists in energizing T-cells. These are useful in helping your body fight against infection.
Shake It & Take It Outside
The best way to cool off outdoors, and load up on all the essential nutrients your body craves, is to drink a delicious, highly nutritious, QuiAri Shake. QuiAri formulated their shake by adding a blend of 24 essential vitamins and minerals, powerful superfoods, 16 grams of long-lasting protein, and exclusive Greens blend, and QuiAri’s proprietary MaquiX® extract, which boosts the antioxidant power to all new levels. Combine with QuiAri Energy and for a smooth, yet powerful boost. So get out there – swim, bike, go for a walk – it’ll do your body good! Visit QuiAri.com to learn more.