A Fresh Way for You to Delay Brain Aging

Taking good care of yourself is key. Your mental and physical health depend on it.

We've all heard the expression "a breath of fresh air". John Lubbock noted, "Fresh air is as good for the mind as for the body". Science backs this up. Exposure to outdoor air offers profound mental and physical restoration.

A fresh way to delay brain aging? Try to spend more time outdoors and get fresh air.

Fresh air is your friend. It's good for you. It seems to be built into our DNA.

Whenever I feel "off", I feel the need to get outside. This is no coincidence. Consider these benefits:

Exposure to outdoor fresh air significantly enhances your brain health by increasing oxygen intake, which boosts your cognitive function, improves memory and concentration, and sharpens your focus.
Boosts vitamin D.
Increased oxygenation also stimulates the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that stabilizes your mood.
Improves your lungs.
Reduces anxiety, and alleviates symptoms of depression.
Lowers blood pressure.
Regular time outdoors is linked to increased gray matter in your prefrontal cortex, the area of your brain responsible for cognitive control, planning, and decision-making.
Improves your sleep.
Reduces feelings of stress and anger. You'll notice your shoulders relax, and you can breath more freely.
Combats depression.
Helps switch off your brain. Instead of a flickering screen you have a view of green grass and trees.
Makes you better at your job.
Helps regulate behaviour, and can mitigate repetitive negative thoughts.
Improves your confidence and self-esteem.
Supports mental clarity and creativity by allowing your prefrontal cortex to rest, a concept known as attention restoration theory.
Boosts your immune system.

This list can go on and on, but you get the idea.

More and more it seems modern life has forced us indoors. One study found that 60% of people spend less than an hour a day outside. For 20%, it was less than 15 minutes. If you're female you are likely to spend even less time outdoors.

Fresh, outdoor air is almost a miracle cure. Look for ways to increase your time outside. Start small:

A five minute walk.
Pull a few weeds in the garden.
Make that phone call outdoors.
Step outside and feel the sun.
Take your novel outside.

Then, if you can, try to incorporate a regular activity that get you outside a lot.

Remember, fresh air plays a crucial role in your life. It keeps you energized and relaxed. Having that morning run or evening walk, enjoying the fresh air benefits, and hearing the birds sing is pure magic.

Thanks for reading. You are a genius!

This article was first published in Terry Small's Brain Bulletin newsletter.

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