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If you can do it safely, going outside for fresh air during quarantine is a good idea. It can positively impact your health–both mental and physical–and be an important part in establishing a healthy routine in quarantine.
Keep reading for everything you need to know!
Dr. Jedidiah Ballard, an emergency-medicine physician, told Business Insider, "I don't need to quote a study to let you know that if you've been inside all day, a little time outdoors will improve your mood."
He continues, "Vitamin D also plays a role in immune function, and sunlight is needed for our bodies to convert it to its active form."
With that in mind, if you are finding yourself feeling down and not your best, going outside for a safe social distancing walk, a trip to the park, or even just sitting outside, can drastically improve how you feel.
Sue Anne Bell, an assistant professor of nursing at the University of Michigan who studies the health effects of disasters, also spoke to Business Insider about the benefits of spending time outside.
"Just seeing the blue sky when you've haven't been outside your house for long periods of time has definite effects on mood," she explains. "We're under a lot of stress and pressure in these highly unusual times, so going for a walk to clear your mind is really healthy for you — if you can do it safely."
Plus, its not only good for you mentally. The article continues, "One study of more than 1,000 adults, for instance, found that those who walked at least 20 minutes a day five days a week reported 43% fewer sick days than their less active counterparts. Even when the active people got sick, it wasn't as severe or as long-lasting, according to Harvard Health."
