Why Getting Outside Matters More Than You Think
Summer brings longer days, warmer weather, and more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Yet despite having more chances to step outside, many of us spend most of our time indoors. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American spends only about 7% of their life outdoors, while approximately 93% is spent inside homes, workplaces, vehicles, and buildings.
While indoor spaces are where much of life happens, our bodies and minds were not designed to stay indoors all day. Even spending a few minutes outside each day can provide meaningful benefits for your overall health.
Physical Health Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors
Fresh air and outdoor environments can support your body in several ways:
- Reduce muscle tension and physical stress
- Help regulate sleep patterns
- Increase energy levels
- Improve focus and work performance
- Encourage more movement and physical activity
Natural daylight also plays an important role in regulating your body’s internal clock. Regular exposure to sunlight during the day can help improve sleep quality at night, which affects nearly every aspect of health—from energy and concentration to immune function and overall well-being.
Many people notice they feel more refreshed after spending time outside, even if it is only for a short walk.
Mental Health Benefits of Green Spaces
The benefits go beyond physical health.
Research continues to show that spending time in green spaces—areas with trees, plants, parks, and natural scenery—can positively affect mental and emotional health. Time outdoors has been associated with:
- Reduced stress levels
- Lower anxiety symptoms
- Fewer symptoms of depression
- Improved mood
- Greater feelings of calm and well-being
Nature gives our minds a chance to slow down. Constant notifications, screens, and busy schedules create ongoing mental stimulation. Stepping outside, even briefly, can create space to reset and recharge.
Simple Ways to Spend More Time Outside This Summer
Adding more outdoor time does not have to mean spending hours hiking or taking weekend trips. Small daily changes can make a difference.
Find small opportunities during the day
Look for brief moments to get outside throughout your routine:
- Take a walk before or after work
- Eat lunch outdoors instead of at your desk
- Join virtual meetings outside when possible
- Try walking meetings with coworkers
- Spend a few minutes outside during breaks
Small habits often become sustainable habits.
Move your workouts outdoors
If your exercise routine usually happens indoors, consider moving it outside occasionally.
Instead of:
- Running on a treadmill, try walking or jogging in your neighborhood
- Exercising indoors, use a local park or backyard
- Doing bodyweight exercises inside, take them outdoors
You can often get the same workout while enjoying additional health benefits from fresh air and natural surroundings.
Focus on quality, not just quantity
Time outside does not have to be long to be valuable.
While outdoors, intentionally notice your surroundings:
- Listen for birds or wind through the trees
- Notice the colors around you
- Pay attention to scents, sounds, and movement
Being present in the moment can strengthen the mental health benefits of time outdoors.
Explore with someone else
Healthy habits are easier to build with support.
Invite:
- A spouse or family member
- Friends
- Coworkers
- Children
Walking, biking, visiting parks, or simply sitting outdoors together can make the experience more enjoyable and help create consistency.
Bring nature indoors
Some days make outdoor time difficult. Even then, bringing elements of nature inside can help.
Consider:
- Adding houseplants around your home
- Starting an indoor herb garden
- Keeping natural light flowing into your space
Small changes can help create a healthier environment.
Enjoy the Outdoors Safely
Spending more time outside offers many benefits, but taking a few simple precautions can help you enjoy those benefits while reducing unnecessary risks. Summer activities often mean more sun exposure and more time around grass, woods, and areas where ticks are common.
Prevent Sunburn
Sunlight helps regulate sleep and supports overall well-being, but too much sun exposure can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.
A few simple ways to reduce your risk of sunburn include:
- Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours, especially if sweating or swimming
- Wear a hat with a wide brim to protect your face, ears, and neck
- Use sunglasses that block UV rays
- Seek shade during peak sunlight hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Wear lightweight clothing that covers your shoulders and arms when spending extended time outdoors
- Drink plenty of water, since dehydration can happen more quickly during hot weather
You do not need to avoid the sun completely—just be intentional about protecting your skin.
Protect Yourself From Tick Bites
Minnesota summers also bring increased tick activity. Tick bites can transmit illnesses such as Lyme Disease and other infections.
Simple ways to lower your risk include:
- Wear long sleeves and long pants when walking in wooded areas or tall grass
- Tuck pants into socks during hiking or outdoor activities in heavily wooded areas
- Stay on maintained trails whenever possible
- Use an EPA-approved insect repellent according to label directions
- Check your body carefully after spending time outdoors, especially around the scalp, behind the knees, under the arms, around the waist, and behind the ears
- Check children and pets after outdoor activities
Removing a tick promptly can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
When Should You Be Concerned About a Tick Bite?
Many tick bites do not cause illness, and often a tick can be removed without any long-term problems. However, it is important to monitor for symptoms after a bite, especially here in Minnesota where tick-borne illnesses are common.
You should consider seeking medical care if:
- You develop a rash, especially a growing circular or “bullseye” pattern
- You develop fever or chills
- You notice unusual fatigue
- You experience headaches
- You develop muscle or joint aches
- You have swollen lymph nodes
- You were unable to completely remove the tick
- The tick appeared attached for an extended period of time
- You are uncertain how long the tick was attached
Early treatment of tick-borne illnesses is often simpler and more effective than waiting until symptoms become more severe.
At Aslan Health, we can evaluate concerning tick bites, discuss your symptoms and risk factors, and help determine whether treatment or additional follow-up is needed. If you develop symptoms after a tick bite or simply are not sure whether you should be concerned, getting checked early can provide peace of mind and potentially prevent bigger problems later.
Small Steps Can Make a Big Difference
Improving your health does not always require major lifestyle changes. Sometimes simple actions—like stepping outside for a few minutes—can positively affect both physical and emotional well-being.
Take advantage of the longer summer days. Go for a walk, sit outside with your morning coffee, or enjoy lunch outdoors. A few moments in fresh air may provide more benefits than you realize—while remembering to protect yourself from too much sun and unwanted insect bites.
At Aslan Health, we believe whole-person health includes caring for physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors that influence well-being. Sometimes better health starts with simple steps taken one day at a time.