Going outdoors can sometimes feel like too much effort when you’re dealing with a chronic illness, but there are important benefits to be had by getting even as little as 10 minutes outdoors. With the weather improving, there’s every reason to make an effort to spend more time outside and truly take in the comforts of nature.

Sunlight Boosts Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D is a vital ingredient for a healthy immune system, and sunshine is the easiest way to get it — just twenty minutes of sunlight produces up to 20,000 IUs worth of Vitamin D and increases the brain’s natural release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with regulating your mood. Take some time to embrace the sunshine and reap the benefits on your overall mood, but don’t forget your sunscreen!

Grounding Might Help You Feel Better

Some studies have shown that getting in touch with the earth —literally — may reduce pain and lower stress.  If you’ve spent time at a beach, you probably noticed the relaxing effect of sitting or laying on the sand.  But a patch of grass in your yard or a nearby park can have the same effect. Try grabbing an outdoor blanket, packing a picnic lunch full of healthy foods that are Crohn’s or UC friendly if you’re impacted by either condition and enjoying grounding with the great outdoors.

Exercise Outdoors

Exercising outside is good for your body since it helps you move in more natural ways than most indoor exercises.  Running on a treadmill, while not necessarily bad, works your muscles in an artificial way.  Going for a morning stroll or a walk during sunset can provide physical benefits as well as psychological ones — use your time walking outdoors as a great opportunity to catch up with friends or reconnect with yourself during a busy week.  If you’re battling MS, practicing yoga could be your exercise of choice as each pose can be modified and there’s no better place to perfect your practice than outside.