Kaʻōlapa M.

Why Going Outdoors Regularly is a Good Practice

By: Kaʻōlapa M.

John needs to write a good story for the school paper. He tries and tries, but he can't think of any creative ideas. John gets frustrated and takes a break outside. John calms down and is suprised how the outdoors is so peaceful. Then, he thinks of it, he is going to write a poem for the school paper about the outdoors. Like John, everyone should go outdoors everyday. Going outdoors regularly can help people with their mental health, immunity to sickness, and productivity at work or school.

Who likes to feel stressed or just simply junk? Going outside regularly can help with reducing stress and depression according to a study conducted by the University of Michigan (Chang). Going outdoors also helps people to have a positive outlook on life because going outdoors naturally brings a positive feeling (Chang). Clearly, going outdoors regularly is beneficial to mental health.

Feeling under the weather? Going outside everyday can help with people's immunity to sickness and diseases. Going outside regularly can help with overall health because of vitamin D (Narvaez). Most of people's vitamin D comes from the sun, and they can't get it if they are indoors right? Vitamin D prevents the common cold and the flu. In addition, vitamin D can even prevent certain types of cancer (Chang)!

Can't seem to get any work done in the classroom? Well, going outdoors can help! Studies have shown that going outdoors can help with concentration (Chang). "Scientists studied two groups of kids with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) -one had spent time playing outside, and another group played indoors. They found that the kids who spent time in the green, outdoor spaces exhibited less symptoms of ADHD, even though both groups did the same activities" (Chang).  

Clearly, spending time outside will help with productivity in the working business.

Some people say "What about video games! VIDEO GAMES ROCK! Are you saying we can't play video games!!" NO! That's not what I'm saying! Video games are fun in all but it's important to limit the time with them. Spending too much time indoors playing video games can cause Computer Eye Syndrome (CVS). This is caused from looking at a screen for too long (Chang). Also, if you stay indoors too long you may become near sighted and you don't want that (Chang). So, you can play video games, but take a break and get outside.

If people don't spend time outdoors, they will miss out on so many health benefits and have a greater chance of developing many sicknesses and diseases. On the other hand, going outdoors can help people with stress, concentration, and help their immunity to sickness. Clearly, spending time outdoors is the thing to do.