Just because summer is coming to an end does not mean that you will no longer enjoy spending time outdoors. Although the days may be shorter than they were in the summer, they are cooler, less humid, and mosquitos are no longer the problem they once were. Fall is one of the best seasons to enjoy the outdoors, especially if you have a propane grill or a propane fire pit. When you transform your backyard into a peaceful oasis, you don’t have to travel to the mountains or the beach to experience the benefits of being outdoors. Today we would like to discuss some of the health benefits associated with spending time outside.

Vitamin D

Many of our vitamins and minerals are absorbed into the body through foods or supplements.  However, most of your daily vitamin D can be absorbed through sun exposure. Aiding in cell growth, inflammation reduction, immune function, bone growth, and neuromuscular function, vitamin D is a necessary vitamin for good health.

Mental Health

As we grow awareness around mental health, including depression and anxiety, the stigma slowly begins to dissolve. If you feel that you are suffering from mental health issues, spending time outdoors could be a useful supplement for decreasing your symptoms. However, it’s important to seek professional help for any mental health issues that you may be experiencing.

Improved Concentration

In our technology-driven society, our attention spans can flounder from the constant stream of email, text, and social media notifications. Studies have suggested that spending as little as 20 minutes outside can help boost your concentration levels. The next time that you are feeling spacey, take a short walk outside or even hang out in your backyard for a few minutes.

Indoor Air Pollution

Did you know that your home is filled with all kinds of indoor pollutants? In fact, indoor air pollution levels outnumber outdoor air pollution numbers. Your carpet, furniture, and even building materials all emit chemicals that are detrimental to your health. Additionally, most homes contain certain amounts of dust, dirt, mold, and pet dander.

Improved Sleep

Your body has a circadian rhythm that helps with your melatonin production, which is the hormone that helps you fall asleep and stay asleep. However, this cycle is disrupted by exposure to artificial light as well as the blue light emitted from screens, including TV’s, laptops, and mobile devices. You can help get your circadian rhythm back on track by spending more time outdoors, exposed to natural light.

Reduced Stress

Taking a walk outside has a calming effect on just about anyone. However, studies have shown that spending time outside helps reduce your cortisol levels. Cortisol is the fight-or-flight hormone that goes into overdrive when you experience chronic stress.

Exercise

Let’s face it: taking a walk outside is so much more gratifying than walking on a treadmill indoors. In fact, you might even look forward to exercising outdoors, but suffering through a spin class is probably an activity that you dread.

Enjoy the great outdoors this fall, whether you are grilling on your propane grill or you are going for a hike. Sign up for DiSanto Propane’s automatic propane delivery in upstate New York so that you never have to worry about running out of your home propane supply again.