Health Advice from Alfi - Autumn / Winter 2014 Autumn / Winter | Page 16

Get Your
Fresh Air Fix
While it’s tempting to dive under
the blankets and hibernate during
the winter months, we should never
underestimate the restorative effects
of getting a bit of fresh air. Of course,
in the winter, we need to take extra
precautions to stay safe and warm in
the cold weather. But scientists and
doctors have long recommended
venturing outdoors to maintain a fit
and healthy body and state of mind.

Some of the benefits of
getting outdoors:

1

2

Reset the circadian rhythms: going
outdoors for at least one hour each day
helps reset your circadian rhythm. This
rhythm refers to your unique body rhythm of
sleeping and waking in sync with the setting
and rising of the sun. Hence, by spending a
few hours outside every day, your circadian
rhythm resets, enabling you to fully enjoy
a well-balanced life.
Raise metabolism: if you’re doing some
exercise while outdoors your metabolism
rises with the knock-on benefits of boosting
the immune system, healthier lungs, weight
loss and gaining more energy.

3

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5

Strengthen your heart: another huge
benefit of getting outdoors in the winter
is a strengthened heart and an increased
respiratory response.
De-stress: it has been found that time
outdoors can relieve stress and feelings
of anxiety.
Increase in positive emotions: continual
exposure to nature, even in the cold winter
months, leads to an increase in positive
emotions and a decrease in negative
emotions.

Outdoor activities give elderly people
a wonderful sense of connection to
the beautiful outdoor environment.
The astounding benefits of fresh air
and natural light not only improve our
physical health, but also our emotional
and spiritual health. Being outdoors
in the winter is simply revitalising
and invigorating. The Alfi Personal
Alarm system gives many people the
confid