How “Active” Caribbean Travel is Good for Your Health
We can all benefit from a more active outdoor lifestyle. It’s good for our body, mind, and spirit!
One reason has to do with being outdoors… You would probably agree that there’s something inherently healing about spending time outdoors, as it can make you feel good/happy.
According to scientists, spending time outdoors naturally boosts levels of serotonin in the brain which positively affects mood and social behavior, appetite and digestion, sleep, memory as well as a healthy sex life. Apparently many of us spend as much as 93% of our life indoors (buildings and cars), where numerous pollutants can be concentrated (with levels that are often 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors). As an added bonus, when outdoors, you’re also exposed to natural “phytoncides” in the air which boosts your immune system.
While getting sun burnt is not a good idea, sensible sun exposure on bare skin for 5-10 minutes 2-3 times per week allows most people to produce sufficient vitamin D. Your body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium and promote bone growth/maintenance, and that includes your teeth. Along with regulating insulin levels and supporting a healthy immune system (which reduces the risk of the flu virus), Vitamin D is also good for brain, nervous system, lung, and cardiovascular health. Vitamin D deficiency has now been linked to various cancers, heart disease, depression, weight gain, and other maladies. So get out and catch some rays!
Research shows that older adults who spend more time outdoors have less pain, sleep better and have better attention/memory – All things that assist in your ability to carry out daily activities.
Being outdoors is also good for your eyes, giving them some rest from staring at a computer, phone or TV…
Another reason is related to being active… Physical activity and exercise can have immediate and long-term health benefits, improving your quality of life.
From a psychological perspective, there are five major components to general health and well-being:
- Positive emotions
- Feeling good
- Engagement
- Being absorbed in an activity
- Relationships
- Being connected with others
- Meaning
- Having a purposeful existence
- Achievement
- Having a sense of accomplishment and success
Being involved in regular outdoor activities can contribute to all of the above. Physical activity releases endorphins in the brain, creating feelings of happiness and euphoria. Activities like snorkeling, require you to focus on what you are doing, and is usually enjoyed in the company if others. Hiking adventures typically target a sightseeing climax, like a top of a mountain, where you are usually rewarded with spectacular views of the valleys and Sea below.
From a physical perspective, consistent exercise increases the body’s ability to handle stress – through producing higher levels of norepinephrine, a helpful hormone that regulates areas of the brain that send stress signals. Regular exercise alleviates symptoms of depression as well. Healthy results of regular physical activity include:
- Strong bones and muscles
- Boosts endurance
- Controls weight
- Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease
- Lowers blood pressure
- Increases levels of good cholesterol
- Improves blood flow (circulation)
- Reduces risk for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
- Reduces risk of some cancers
So, there you have it… So get out there and live an active life outdoors!
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