During June, July and August, many Texans are tempted to stay inside and hide from the heat. While it sometimes feels good to chill out in the air conditioning, you should still get outside every day in the summer to enjoy the immense mental and physical health benefits. With that in mind, here are six reasons to get outside.

1. Decrease Your Tension and Anxiety

Going outside can provide many mental health benefits, including helping you feel calmer and more settled. Spending time in nature has been shown to help people with depression. According to medical studies, people who go for walks outside see cognitive gains, with their memories getting better after they enjoy time in the outdoors.

2. Increase Your Vitamin D Levels

Your body needs Vitamin D to feel healthy, and it’s not enough to get the vitamin from your daily glass of milk. You also need to expose your skin to sunlight to get enough Vitamin D. Spending 20 minutes outdoors several times a week can give you a Vitamin D fix, which can keep your muscles healthy and protect you against developing osteoporosis. Make sure to wear sunscreen when you go outdoors.

3. Improve Your Vision

Studies in young children have shown that going outside to play in summer can reduce the incidence of myopia, or nearsightedness. Kids who went outdoors for recess saw a significantly lower prevalence of myopia than the group that did not.

4. Get Off Your Electronics

Everyone uses electronics in this digital age, but we don’t have to stay anchored to our phones, tablets and laptops all day long. Going outside to disconnect for a few minutes can give your eyes a break and refresh your mind. Institute a full electronics ban during your outdoor time so you don’t feel tempted to check your phone for messages. Time spent outside will also reduce your exposure to blue light, which can help you get to sleep more easily at night.

5. Enjoy Physical Activity

You can work out indoors, but you enjoy many additional health benefits when you exercise outside in the summer. Going for a run around your neighborhood can encourage you to reconnect with a neighbor you see on your journey or make you more aware of the wildlife around your home. Feeling this awareness and connection will also boost your endorphins.

6. Boost Your Immune System

Spending time in the summer outside can have a positive impact on your immune system — people who go outdoors a lot are less likely to get sick. When you breathe in the fresh air that plants produce, you raise your level of white blood cells, which improves immune system function and fights off illness.

And remember, it’s easier to be outside in the Texas heat when you have something to protect you from the sun. Installing an awning over your patio can encourage your family to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. Contact us today to get a free on-site estimate for an awning.