Let's be honest -- most of us spend more time indoors than we'd like, thanks to our 21st century lives that are ruled by technology. Whether you spend 8 hours at a desk everyday or simply are someone who enjoys binge-watching a show on Netflix, one thing we can all agree on is that keeping active and enjoying the great outdoors is something we should all be doing a little more. In today's article, we have a look at 5 incredible benefits of spending time outdoors -- whether that be riding your kayak or simply enjoying a daily evening walk -- so read on to find out more.

1. Say Goodbye To Stress

We all lead such hectic lives that it comes as no surprise that so many people are burdened with a significant amount of stress. Thankfully, spending time outdoors is a great way of de-stressing due to its ability to change the physical expression of stress in the body. Many studies have proven that spending time in nature greatly reduces the levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) in the body, and can even decrease the heart rate to promote a sense of calm and relaxation. You don't have to go all out either -- a simple 45 minute walk or ride at your local park or reserve is all you need to keep those stress levels in check.

1. Load Up on Vitamin D

Vitamin D is something that we are all aware of, but you'd be surprised to know that a large majority of the population is actually deficient in this crucial vitamin. Vitamin D is essential for a well functioning body and can prevent inflammation, osteoporosis and increase our overall calcium absorption rate. Although Vitamin D can be found in supplements and foods such as fortified milks, cereal and salmon, it is always recommended that we receive 90% of our daily requirements from sunlight. Do note that high melanin levels inhibit the production of vitamin D in the skin, so it is extra important for those who are of a darker complexion to spend even more time outdoors!

1. Improves Focus

Do you have trouble focusing on things or paying attention at school or work? Well, you're not alone. Studies have shown that our dependence on mobile phones and other activities that offer instant gratification have greatly affected attention spans all over the world, with many being unable to focus on tasks at hand without getting distracted. Spending time outdoors is a great way to restore your waning attention and increase your ability to focus. In fact, the attentional effect of nature has been proven to help those with ADHD, who have been found to concentrate a lot better after spending just 20 minutes in nature.

1. Keep Trim and Fit

Let's be honest -- most of us are a lot more inactive than we'd like. With jobs that require us to be at desks all day long and televisions that are calling out our name in the evenings, many of us fail to get the recommended amount of exercise and activity on a daily basis. Spending time outdoors and enjoying activities such as tennis, kayaking, jogging or even brisk walking is a great way to get that exercise in and keep trim and fit. Aside from helping you maintain a healthy weight, exercise can also benefit your mental health, reduce cholesterol levels and lower your risk of type 2 diabetes.

1. Fight Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety levels have soared over the last decade or two, with more and more people now suffering from these debilitating conditions. Mental health issues are never something to be taken lightly, and outdoor activity combined with medical supervision and ongoing treatment has been shown to significantly improve the anxiety and depression levels in patients of all ages. Outdoor activities increase the production of endorphins in the body which can instantly boost your mood and keep you feeling calm and collected.

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The benefits that spending time outdoors can offer are numerous, and you'll be surprised at how much of a positive impact nature can have on your overall health and wellbeing. We hope that this article has inspired you to get out of the house and enjoy the benefits that the great outdoors have waiting for you!