The spring season is officially here after a long, frigid winter, which kept people stuck inside for months. Many people are ready to enjoy the outdoors and bask in the sun, but being outside is not just for entertainment. The great outdoors provide many benefits.
The United States Department of Agriculture states that being outside is known to be relaxing and calms the mind to relieve stress and sharpen our focus.
Links Teacher Joshua Kilom believes it is important for students to get outside daily.
“When the weather is nice, I think it is a good activity that helps wake students up and gets students in a better mood. It’s just a great thing to do, and I really enjoy it myself, so I try to get them to enjoy it too,” Kilom said.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, being in nature just makes us happy. After spending time outside, anxiety, worry and irritability are all significantly reduced. This is why many people decide to talk a walk outside when they are feeling upset.
Junior Ava Marshall also prefers to spend her time outside than inside.
“It puts you in a better mood when you see the sunshine,” said Marshall.
Not only is it good for mental health, but its good for physical health as well. Senior Bailey Bartrum is an avid softball player who spends most of her time outside. Whether its practicing softball, playing games, or just hanging with friends, she spends her time in the sun.

“I am most definitely happier when I am outside,” Bartrum said.
Sunlight is essential for human health and well-being. Vitamin D can be obtained through supplements and diet, however sunlight serves as the primary natural source of this nutrient. Vitamin D is known to support healthy bones, manage calcium levels and reduce inflammation.
Senior Micah Bolton plans on being an environmental engineer later in life and believes that nature is very important and wants to protect it. Bolton loves staying active outside and playing sports. He believes that going outside helps with his overall health.
“Being outside keeps me in shape and definitely gives me a boost of morale, like, it just gives me a better mentality” Bolton said.
Knowing the importance of nature and the wonders going outside does for your mind, body and health overall can make an impact on individuals, communities and even the entire world.