As Subaru lovers in the Pacific Northwest, we probably don't need to convince you to spend time in the great outdoors. But did you know you are most likely benefiting in many more ways than you think? Of course exploring our beautiful Washington state and surrounding areas is exhilarating and fun, but it's also good for your health!
Here are 6 extra reasons for you to hop in your Subaru and take a joy ride into nature.
Improved Mental Health
For Real. We all know how it feels to be going along life, using all our resources to the max, and hitting that wall of mental fatigue. When the fatigue goes uncared for, it's easy to slip into a state of depression without realizing you're moving in that direction. Stepping out into nature, taking time to take in the sights and breathe in the air, has the ability to not only restore mental energy, but lift your spirits as well. Studies show that even looking at pictures of nature help your brain bounce back much quicker than ignoring nature all together.
Increases Brain Function
From concentration to creativity, spending sometime in nature can increase brain function in more than one way. Children who have ADHD and play outside, have fewer symptoms than those who play inside. Something as simple as taking a 20 minute walk outdoors can kick your brain into higher gear and wake you up just as much as a cup of coffee, amping up your creativity and thought processes. Breathing in the fresh oxygen literally helps your brain retain and recall memories much more efficiently. Your body is made for oxygen - it makes sense that breathing in the freshest source would cause a good biological impact.
Reduces Stress
Seattle based environmental psychologist, Judith Heerwagon says, "Just looking at a garden or trees or going for a walk, even if it's in your own neighborhood, reduces stress. I don't think anyone understands why, but there is something about being in a natural setting that shows clear evidence of stress reduction, including physiological evidence - like a lower heart rate."
There are many aspects to this. One is our sense of smell really does have a powerful effect on our mind and emotions. There's a reason why many aromatherapy fragrances are scents of different plants and flowers. When the body feels comfortable, nourished, and is receiving oxygen, its natural for stress levels to decrease. When stress decreases, it's easier for the body to regulate and function in a healthy way.
Vitamin D Intake
A large part of the population is vitamin D deficient. Partly because we are not going outdoors as much, partly because of the way our food is processed, and partly because we have such a cancer scare that we block all effects of the sun's natural vitamin D when we do go outside. For this reason, we encourage "sensible sun exposure", meaning 10-15 minutes in the sun before you reach for the sunscreen. This should give your skin time to soak up the vitamin D, and still be protected for the rest of your adventure.
Makes Exercise Easier
This is just a truth across the board. When you enjoy what you're doing, when you have beautiful sights around you, and when you're engaging with others (or your dog)...it's so much easier to "exercise" without necessarily even having it as a goal.
Reduces Inflammation
When you bring together natural exercise, breathing in more fresh air, and reduced stress by spending time outdoors, you allow the perfect equation for reducing inflammation in your body. Your body functions from it's immune system. Not only does your immune system get a boost from these three qualities, but it also is boosted naturally by being exposed to more germs outside.
The more the immune system is challenged in a healthy way, the stronger it becomes. When your immune system is strengthened, your body is less stressed over all since it doesn't have to work so hard to protect you, which means it can naturally be in restful state to reduce inflammation that may be showing up on a day to day basis.
Really..did you need more motivation to hop into your Subaru and lose yourself to the beauty that surrounds us? But just to seal the deal, we hope this information brought some motivation. Go enjoy our Pacific Northwest - soak up as much as you can! When your Subaru needs its own "immune system" support, we're here to help get you back on the road. You can make an appointment any time! Click here to schedule an appointment at Suburb Service, or call (206) 705-8695 to reach our Seattle location. Show your Subaru some love.