Many people spend workdays indoors under fluorescent lights and in front of computers, then return home to bask in the glow of television screens. But research suggests it’s important to make time to get outdoors as well, since doing so is beneficial — maybe essential — for human health.

IT HELPS YOU GET EXERCISE

Walking outside makes you more likely to exercise. You don’t need a gym membership, transportation, or special equipment: Just walk right out your door. You can do many gym exercises at your local park with a simple incline, pull up bar, or set of steps. The push of the wind and the uneven ground can help you vary your workout and burn more calories.

IT HELPS YOU GET VITAMIN D

It’s important for your bones, blood cells, and immune system. It also helps your body absorb more of certain minerals, like calcium and phosphorus. Your body needs sunlight to make it, but you don’t need much. In the summer, just getting sun for 5 to 15 minutes, 2 or 3 times a week, should do it. In the winter, you might need a bit more.

IT LESSENS ANXIETY

Even a simple plant in the room, or pictures of nature, can make you feel less anxious, angry, and stressed. However, it’s better if you get out of that room and go outside. Exercise is good for anxiety, too, but it’s even better if you do it outside, compared to inside a gym. Sunlight helps keep your serotonin levels up. This helps raise your energy and keeps your mood calm, positive, and focused.

IT BOOSTS YOUR CREATIVITY

Do you have a knotty problem you can’t solve? Struggling with writer’s block? Spend time outside. Studies show that time in nature can boost your creative problem-solving abilities. This is partly because the outside world engages your attention in a quieter way, allowing your attention to refocus. The more time you spend, the bigger the benefit, but even just “getting out for some air” can nudge your brain into a new thought pattern.

IT HELPS YOU KEEP A HEALTHY WEIGHT

Outdoor time will help you be more active and sleep better. Both these things help you burn calories, but getting outside, particularly in the morning, may help you keep the fat off. That’s partly because the light helps balance your sleep and energy use. You need 20-30 minutes between 8 a.m. and noon to make a difference, but the earlier you get it, the better it works.

IT’S SOCIAL

When you get outside your house, it’s not only Mother Nature you see. You also connect more with the people and places in your community. Human contact and a sense of community are important to your mental health. Plan a walking route to a friend’s house, and then to the park to do some exercise. Finish up at the local coffee shop. You might be surprised how good it makes you feel.

BENEFITS QUESTIONS?

Our benefits and incentives demonstrate to our assignment employees and officers that a long-term working relationship with Lofton can be fulfilling as well as financially satisfying. Contact Lofton Benefits Coordinator if you have any questions or concerns regarding benefits at: benefits@loftonstaffing.com

or 225.924.0200.

About Lofton: Founded in 1979, Lofton Services offers clients the best of all worlds. We provide the responsive, personal service and flexibility of a small local firm while having the technology, resources, and infrastructure to deliver the benefits of the biggest players in our industry. Lofton Staffing can deliver the right people, with the right skills, right when you need them. Contact us today.