The Importance of Practicing Outdoor Sports: Nurturing Mind, Body, and Earth
Author: Lavinia Alberi Auber
According to a survey of the Sport Observatory Switzerland, conducted in 2022, 68% of adults favors outdoors activity). The analysis indicates that this preference has risen as compared to before COVID-19 but it will only do good to Swiss citizens, who already tops as one of the healthiest and longest living population (83.10 years). We are very lucky to live surrounded by nature a step away, and I am aware that some places are less blessed. Yet, summer is still the ideal time to go for a run, swim, hike, bike in the nature and enjoy the associated multiple beneficial effects of outdoor activities. In fact, beyond the realms of physical health and pleasure, engaging in outdoor sports offers a multitude of benefits that positively impact our overall well-being besides fostering environmental consciousness.
- Balancing Cortisol and Melatonin: Reducing Stress
Practicing outdoor sports allows us to benefit from exposure to natural light. Sunlight exposure helps regulate the body’s cortisol and melatonin levels. Cortisol, often referred to as the stress hormone, plays a crucial role in our body’s stress response. A study showed that just the exposure to a natural environment at least 3 times a week for 10 min reduced diurnal salivary cortisol levels by about 20% in an urban population, supporting the “natural pill” prescription by our doctors. Additionally, the exposure to sunlight during the day increases the production at night of the pineal hormone melatonin allowing to fall asleep faster. Have you ever felt the soothing tiredness after a long walk? Your light-rebalanced cortisol and melatonin levels reduce your mental strain kicking you magically into bed.
- Contact with Nature: Improving Mood through Dopamine/Serotonin Feedback:
One of the most remarkable aspects of outdoor sports is the opportunity to immerse oneself in nature. The natural environment provides a calming and rejuvenating effect on the mind, allowing us to experience a sense of tranquility. Contact with nature and sunlight triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and reward and has been shown to improve seasonal affective syndromes and depression. Natural light increases also the production of serotonin, providing an immediate sense of happiness and mindfulness. This positive dopamine/serotonin feedback enhances mood, improves mental function while restoring calmness and conferring a sense of fulfillment. Whether it’s running through a forest, cycling along a scenic route, or hiking up a mountain, the connection with nature through outdoor sports serves as a powerful tonic for improving mental well-being.
- Activation of Vitamin D: Sunlight Exposure:
Practicing outdoor activities, exposing the skin to sunlight, with appropriate UV protection, naturally increases the activation of Vitamin D3, also called sunshine vitamin, which is then converted to Vitamin D by the liver. Vitamin D is essential for numerous bodily functions, playing an important role in regulating calcium and phosphate metabolism resulting in stronger bones and a more resilient immune system. By enjoying outdoor sports while practicing UV protection we can optimize the activation of Vitamin D and reap its benefits, contributing to overall health and well-being.
- Enhancing Endurance and Improving Concentration through Terrain’s diversity:
Engaging in outdoor sports exposes us to diverse terrains and environments. Whether it’s traversing sandy beaches, rocky mountains, or lush forests, each terrain presents unique challenges and demands on the body and mind. This exposure fosters muscle buildup requiring joint flexibility as the body adapts to the varying surfaces and movements required . Furthermore, outdoor sports demand concentration, increased sensory perception and focus to navigate these terrains successfully. This heightened physical and psychological capacity is the result of a natural solicitation of a variety of sensors within your body: including central receptors, e.g. baroreceptors, chemoreceptors, and those within the muscles, e.g. metaboreceptors and mechanoreceptors activating feedback loops to build a stronger and more resilient mind and body leading to improved overall performance.
- Increase of Awareness: Environmental Consciousness and Respect for the Earth:
Last but not least, outdoor sports provide a gateway to explore and appreciate the beauty and diversity of our planet. From majestic mountains to tranquil lakes and vibrant forests, the Earth offers a stunning array of landscapes. By gazing at these marvels, while hiking, running, biking or simply strolling, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world. This heightened awareness fosters a sense of responsibility and environmental consciousness, inspiring us to become advocates for the protection and preservation of our planet. By witnessing firsthand the fragility and magnificence of the environment, you can develop a profound respect for the Earth and strive to minimize their impact on it.
Conclusion:
The importance of green exercise extends beyond the realm of physical fitness and enjoyment. Engaging in outdoor activities allows us to experience numerous benefits that positively impact our overall well-being. From balancing cortisol and melatonin levels, to triggering dopamine/ serotonin production to Vitamin D activation and building mental and physical resilience, outdoor sports promote environmental consciousness and respect for the Earth by fostering an appreciation of its beauty and diversity Therefore, it is imperative that we encourage and prioritize outdoor sports as an integral part of a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle, benefiting us and our planet alike.
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