The New Year is typically a time when people consider new healthy lifestyle changes and goals to better themselves both physically and mentally. Especially after being indoors during the winter, and when open spaces and fresh air are more important than ever, getting outdoors is one of the best ways to improve your health and wellbeing this upcoming year, and beyond. Under Canvas’ upscale outdoor accommodations aim to inspire connections with extraordinary places, people, and planet by enhancing access to the outdoors. Plan your vacation at an Under Canvas location to take part in our mission and build healthier habits in the new year by exploring the outdoors with friends, family, and loved ones. Here are six ways that being outdoors can improve your health and happiness.
Increase Vitamin D Levels
Known as the “sunshine vitamin,” research suggests that Vitamin D may protect against multiple diseases including cancer, osteoporosis, and depression. It has also been found to strengthen your immune response and support weight loss. Vitamin D is naturally produced in the body when it is directly exposed to sunlight. So get outside, explore some trails on a sunny day, take a jog through your neighborhood, or try some outdoor yoga to boost your Vitamin D levels naturally this year. However, don’t forget the sunblock to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays while still boosting up your Vitamin D supply.
Lower Blood Pressure and Reduce Inflammation
Sunlight and being outdoors doesn’t only boost vitamin D levels, it’s also responsible for lowering blood pressure by naturally widening blood vessels as a result of nitric oxide, present in the skin, responding to the sun’s rays. In fact, people with high blood pressure see better results with decreasing their blood pressure by being outdoors. Not only that, but inflammation, which causes a host of physical health issues, can be reduced by spending time in fresh air and open spaces.
Get A Better Night’s Sleep
Research shows that being in nature could improve your sleep quality by regulating your body temperature and improving your sleep-wake cycle, which results in more hours of quality snoozing. Explore the outdoors at Under Canvas and sleep in plush king size beds with luxe linens at night. Wake peacefully to the sounds of nature from inside your canvas tent. No wonder so many guests say they slept so well while staying at Under Canvas!
Burn More Calories
It’s not unknown that activities like hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, white water rafting, and other outdoor activities reduce body fat and burn calories. Instead of running on a treadmill or biking indoors, take some time to get outside and get your heart rate up, burning calories and experiencing the added benefits of spending time outdoors.
Relieve Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
Spending time amongst the trees and breathing fresh air is proven to reduce the stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenaline. Also, research shows that muscle tension, blood pressure, and brain activity all decrease while outdoors, which naturally relieves stress and anxiety levels in the body. In general, exercise boosts endorphins, which is a natural chemical in the body that elicits sensations of pleasure and reduces depression. Next time you’re feeling stressed, take a moment to go outside for a walk or bike ride, or escape to nature for a hike and enjoy the wellness benefits of the great outdoors.
Create Meaningful Memories
Creating meaningful memories with friends, family, and loved ones is sure to bring happiness and release endorphins. According to multiple studies, a happy, healthy brain is one that regularly recalls moments that inspire positivity and feelings of gratitude. That means meaningful memories can improve mental health. Experience extraordinary places across the U.S., have meaningful conversations, enjoy time with loved ones at Under Canvas, and head home with memories that will last a lifetime.
It’s more important than ever to take time to care for yourself and your mental health, and one of the best ways to do that is to get outside and experience nature. Under Canvas connects you with the outdoors without sacrificing the comforts of home. Visit one of our Under Canvas locations across the country to get outside and explore this year!