Health benefits of living outdoors in FNQ!

Australia is renowned for its great outdoors. The region of Far North Queensland in particular, offers a wealth of outdoor experiences, including some of the world’s best beaches, waterfalls, hikes, wildlife, and rich reef ecosystems. So, what are some of the health benefits of getting outdoors?

Increased Physical Activity

Being outdoors naturally leads to increased physical activity. One benefit of this is the ability to reach the daily recommended step count of 10,000 more easily. Walking outdoors is a great cardiovascular exercise and can be made more challenging by increasing the distance or speed to help burn a few extra calories during the process. Additionally, exercising in an outdoor environment can provide a change of pace and challenge the body in ways that indoor exercise cannot. The varying terrain, obstacles, and changes in weather can add to the difficulty and encourage you to reach bigger fitness goals.

Lower Blood Pressure

Studies have found that spending time in nature can have a calming effect on the body. Being in nature for as little as 30 minutes can help reduce stress and promote feelings of relaxation. Research suggests that exposure to nature can lower heart rate and blood pressure, which can be beneficial for overall health. Healthy habits such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and avoiding smoking are also important for maintaining healthy blood pressure. In addition, spending time in nature can also help reduce stress, which can further help lower blood pressure. It is important to find ways to relax and take care of both our mental and physical health, and spending time in nature can be a great way to do so. Normal healthy blood pressure is typically considered to be around 120/80 mm Hg or lower however, it’s important to note that blood pressure can change throughout the day and is affected by a range of daily activities and medications.

Fresh Air For Our Lungs

Exposure to fresh air, particularly from natural environments such as forests, gardens, and oceans, has been shown to have positive effects on the immune system. Indoor environments can contain a variety of allergens, such as dust, dirt, and spores, which can trigger respiratory issues such as allergies or asthma. Spending time outdoors can help reduce the risk of these issues. Additionally, being outdoors can encourage deeper breathing, which can help bring more oxygen to the body’s cells and expel toxins. This can have a beneficial effect on various bodily functions such as hormone production, digestion, tissue renewal, muscle contraction and brain function. The increased circulation of blood through the body can also contribute to improved cognitive function, concentration, and focus.

Boost immunity and your mood

Sunshine is the ultimate go to. Sunlight can have a positive effect on our mood by increasing the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Additionally, spending time outdoors has been shown to decrease stress hormone levels and promote a sense of calm. This may be in part due to the body’s ability to produce Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D plays an important role in regulating mood, supporting bone and teeth health, and promoting a healthy immune system response. It has both anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties that can help protect the body against pathogens. It is important to note that excessive sun exposure should be avoided as it can increase the risk of skin cancer. It’s important to balance the benefits of sunlight exposure with the need for sun protection.