Just 17 minutes outdoors everyday could be a lifesaver, says physician
From better sleep and focus to an improved mood, spending intentional time in nature could be one of the simplest ways to support your overall health.
In a world where almost everything can be accessed from the comfort of your home, it has become increasingly easy to stay indoors.
Whether it is ordering groceries online, working from home, getting almost anything delivered to your door or choosing to drive a short distance, technology has made it possible to spend much of the day indoors.
According to Dr John La Puma, author of 'Indoor Epidemic', we are now spending as much as 93% of our lives indoors. The board-certified internal medicine physician, professionally trained chef and two-time New York Times bestselling author believes this modern indoor lifestyle could be taking a toll on our health.
The good news is, it only takes a few minutes a day to start reaping the benefits.
Speaking on Oprah Daily La Puma says the minimum effective dose is around two hours of intentional time outdoors each week, which works out to approximately 17 minutes a day.
But there is an important distinction. Simply sitting outside while scrolling through your phone may not provide the same experience as intentionally connecting with your surroundings.
"Change that time from incidental to intentional, specific time in green or blue areas. You can turn those minutes into a kind of medicine," said Dr La Puma.
Whether it is taking a walk through a park or sitting somewhere surrounded by trees, these simple activities that allow you to intentionally spend time in nature can greatly benefit your health.
So, what exactly can this simple habit do for you?
It can improve your sleep, focus, boost your mood and support a longer life.
So, there you have it - while staying indoors can certainly be convenient, there are plenty of reasons to step outside your comfort zone.
Sometimes, one of the simplest things you can do for your health is to just go outside.
The good thing is that Johannesburg has several green spaces. Check them out here.
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