As the nights draw in and the days get darker, it’s tempting to shut the curtains, stay indoors and get cosy. But don’t forget to get outside and enjoy the many delights of autumn.
Walk through a gloriously golden landscape where perfectly crisp leaves fall delicately to the floor. Watch the atmospheric mist descend while the conkers thump on the ground and vibrant orange pumpkins begin to grow.
Resist the temptation of staying inside during the colder months and reap the benefits of being outside. There are plenty of reasons to enjoy the great outdoors whatever the weather — here are some top advantages of embracing the fresh air.
Improved air quality
Breathing in fresh air has countless health benefits. Many of our cities and busy towns have high rates of pollution. Air pollution is also known to trigger allergies and asthma. So if you can, try to get away from crowded, built-up areas and into the countryside as the freshest air is in places with high air circulation. Why not swap a river walk surrounded by skyscrapers with a few days camping or caravanning in an open field?
Spending more time outdoors is sure to improve your health. Not only does spending time in natural green spaces lower the risk of respiratory concerns, but also helps to reduce airborne illness and infection, as bacteria and viruses have less chance of survival in fresh air compared with humid indoor environments.
Grow your own
There’s nothing more satisfying than growing your own plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables. Getting out into your back yard or heading to a local allotment for a spot of gardening is a great reason to be outside during the colder months. Get wrapped up, bring a flask and watch the fruits of your labour grow.
Gardening has been proven to improve your mood, increase self-esteem and reduce stress levels. To help you get started on your green-fingered adventure, take a look at the tools needed and advice on which bulbs to plant in autumn.
Top YHA member tip: “Avoid becoming overtired by spending too long on one task. In the garden, I might do one hour on pruning, then change to filling cracks between patio paving slabs, then cut some branches for firewood, then do some weeding. Between each task, I’ll have five minutes rest in an armchair and avoid using the same muscles each time.”
Better mood
Ever noticed how the sunshine lifts people’s spirits? Well, there’s actually some science to it. Sunlight helps your body to produce vitamin D, which in turn reduces depression symptoms such as low mood and fatigue, and helps with seasonal affective disorder, also known as winter depression. You’ll also find that a spot of sun can improve your sleep, by making you feel more tired at night, shortening the time it takes you to fall to sleep and improving the quality of your rest.
Grab your sun cream and get your daily dose of sunshine while eating lunch, doing some gardening, reading a book or exercising outside.
Top YHA member tip: “Don’t allow cooler, wet or dull weather to curtail outdoor activity. Really take advantage of bright sunny days even if it’s not that warm.”
Connect to nature
Our everyday lives can be so hectic. Constantly pinging phones and flashing screens all compete for our attention, which can raise our stress levels. Taking time away from technology to switch off and connect with nature will leave you feeling revitalised.
The natural world can offer a mental and emotional haven for when you need to take time to unwind. Feel your senses become softly soothed by the delicate breeze of the wind, harmonious symphony of birdsong and sweet perfume of flowers. Recent research suggests how spending time in nature can allow us to focus on our surroundings, making us feel more relaxed. Try a hike in enchanting forests, kayak on a shimmering lake or take a wander through lush green fields.
Top YHA member tip: “Put on warm clothes and take a brisk walk outside. It’ll get your blood circulating, warm you up, and the daylight will lift your spirits.”
Motivation to get fit
For those who get fed up with the gym and need a little more stimulation, getting outdoors to exercise offers a nice change of pace. There’s plenty going on outside to focus on, making physical activity more interesting and enjoyable. Taking in the spectacular surroundings whilst jogging or doing some bird watching during your walk will make exercise feel easier and less strenuous. Research suggests that those who exercise outdoors tend to do so at a greater intensity with less exertion, so why not have a try and see how you feel?
Top YHA member tip: “Always have a goal to achieve and don’t let the easy option get in the way. If it’s cold outside, wrap up warm and go for a walk rather than stay in bed.”
Opportunity to socialise
Visiting popular outdoor spaces is a fantastic chance to socialise with more people in your community. Human contact and a sense of community is incredibly important for mental health, so going for a wander with a nearby friend or neighbour is a great way to keep in touch while staying healthy. In the colder months, finishing your walk at a local coffee shop to get cosy beside the fire is always a good motivator for your winter wander.
YHA top member tip: “Get out of your home, exercise and, if possible, talk to people.”
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Photo credit: wideeyes / Leika production / Morgan / natalialeb / sutadimages / Stephen / pigprox / Jacob Lund / Adobe Stock
