For the past couple of weeks, I have heard the same thing from my friends. “We should sit outside; it’s so nice out!” And most of the time I would refuse.But, sitting outside in the courtyard actually has many benefits.
Physical benefits
According to Mayo Clinic, the sun provides us with a vitamin called vitamin D. Vitamin D is one of many vitamins that is an essential nutrient to helping everyday functions. It helps absorb calcium for stronger bones as well as improving your immune system. Unlike most vitamins, vitamin D is not very easy to get through food alone, so being in the sun helps the body to get the nutrients it needs.
Sunlight has UV rays in it, which are responsible for sunburns (so it is imperative to wear sunscreen). But these UV rays can also help reduce the spread of bacteria as well as viruses on certain surfaces. This means that being outside can get rid of harmful bacteria on you and can limit your chances of getting sick.
Mental benefits
The sun also helps with improving your mood. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can start to take place if you are inside during winter and have limited access to being in the sun. Sunlight boosts serotonin, which is the chemical that makes you happy and can help lessen the symptoms of SAD.
I also have noticed that sitting outside gives an easier environment to interact with other students. Just the other day another table was talking to my table about the umbrella when we had never talked to them before.
According to the National Library of Medicine, in addition to improving mood, spending time outside also helps increase focus during the school day. Being in natural light every day helps manage and regulate the body’s sleep cycles, which can lead to having better sleep during the night and having more energy during the day. Students who feel more awake are the most likely to pay attention to classes.
For me, sitting outside is also a great way for me to reset during the day. Being in the fresh air after sitting inside in a room with at least 20 people around me really allows me to restart and to maintain focus and a good mood throughout the afternoon.
When polled on the school’s snapchat story, 33 out of 51 students said that they do not sit outside on the regular.
I have learned to take advantage of this opportunity, and I try to sit outside as much as I can. If you want better skin, mental health, a better sleep cycle, and overall, a better experience in your everyday life, then you should spend your lunches outside in the sun.
Editor’s Note: Opinions expressed in editorials are those of the writer(s). These views may not represent those of the adviser; of the Trail staff as a whole; of the Trail’s advertisers; of the administration, faculty or staff of McIntosh High School; of Fayette County Public Schools or of the FCBOE School Board members.
