7 Things You Didn't Know About... The Benefits Of The Great Outdoors

Here’s how to get the most from being outside

- Clare Swatman

When the clocks go back it makes you want to snuggle down and stay indoors. But it’s just as important to get out and about in the great outdoors during the long winter months as it is during the summer.

Not only does it help keep you moving, but being outside in the fresh air and daylight can improve both your physical health and your emotional well-being – and it has some other surprising benefits too!

1 Reduce the risk of illness

We all know exercise improves our health, but a report by the University of East Anglia has revealed that exposure to green space could reduce the risk of all kinds of diseases.

Caoimhe Twohig-Bennett from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, and one of the authors of the report, said: ‘We found that spending time in, or living close to, natural green spaces is associated with diverse and significant health benefits. It reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, and premature birth, and increases sleep duration.

‘People living near green space likely have more opportunities for physical activity and socializing. Meanwhile, exposure to a diverse variety of bacteria present in natural areas may also have benefits for the immune system and reduce inflammation.’

2 Makes you happier