Study Reveals Time Spent Outdoors is Dwindling Among Americans
A new national survey indicates that almost half of Americans spend less than two hours outside each week. This survey was conducted by the Nature & Health Alliance, in collaboration with researchers at Texas A&M University.
Dr. John La Puma, a California physician and author of “Indoor Epidemic,” addresses the potential health risks linked to limited outdoor time. He points out that humans typically spend around 93% of their lives indoors, a habit that he believes comes with a “hidden health cost.” His solution? A simple recommendation to spend 7% of your time outdoors.
Why Are We Feeling Exhausted?
Dr. La Puma emphasizes that many individuals are unaware that their lack of outdoor exposure might be the reason behind their fatigue, even after a full night’s sleep. He describes a common scenario where people rely on caffeine to feel alert and find themselves crashing in the afternoon, unable to sleep at night despite feeling wired.
“These feelings of exhaustion can often be linked to what I call the ‘four Bs,'” he explained.
The Four Bs Linked to Indoor Living
-
Bad Sleep
Outdoor light is significantly brighter than indoor light and can help regulate our internal body clock, known as the circadian rhythm. Dr. La Puma suggests that spending just ten minutes outside each morning can boost sleep quality and help maintain a natural sleep-wake cycle. -
Burnout
Dr. La Puma refers to “ultraprocessed time” as the hours wasted in front of screens and digital distractions. This type of time, he explains, is similar to ultraprocessed food in that it lacks nutrition and is often unproductive. He advises taking breaks to look outside to combat feelings of burnout, suggesting that a simple one-minute glance outside every hour can alleviate eye strain and improve focus. -
Brain Fog
Many people experience a sense of mental fog in the afternoon, especially in poorly ventilated indoor spaces where carbon dioxide levels can rise. Exposure to fresh outdoor air helps clear the mind and enhances cognitive function. -
Belly Fat
A disrupted body clock can throw off cortisol levels (the stress hormone), affecting metabolism and contributing to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. Dr. La Puma encourages getting natural light early in the day to maintain healthy cortisol levels.
The 17-Minute Benefit
Dr. La Puma highlights the importance of being intentional about outdoor time, advocating for at least 17 minutes a day in outdoor settings. He suggests that those living in urban areas look toward distant roofs or open windows to gain the benefits of distant vision and improve their overall well-being.
In conclusion, spending just a small part of the day outdoors can lead to significant health benefits. Dr. La Puma encourages everyone to make an effort to step outside and reconnect with nature, saying, “17 minutes a day is all it takes to start reversing the negative effects of too much indoor time.”
