We all know exercise is good for us, but here is my epiphany today: the reason might not be the workout itself —- it’s the fresh oxygen flooding our system.
Think about it. The activities that make us feel most alive—hiking, swimming, skiing, even a simple walk—all happen outdoors. That’s not a coincidence.
The indoor crisis
The average person spends 90% of their time indoors, breathing air that with higher CO2 levels that literally make us think slower. Studies show just 90 minutes in nature reduces activity in our brain’s rumination center, the part that keeps us stuck in negative thought loops. Meanwhile, prolonged indoor time increases depression risk by 60%.
When we exercise outdoors, we’re not just burning calories. We’re:
- Supercharging our mitochondria with oxygen
- Bathing in negative ions from natural environments
- Absorbing phytoncides from trees that boost immune function
- Breaking the rumination cycle that indoor living enables
Research proves that “green exercise” outperforms indoor workouts for mood, energy, and cognitive function.
Start small
- Morning oxygen boost: 5 minutes outside stretching
- Lunch break reset: Walk around the block
- Evening wind-down: 10 minutes of outdoor breathing before bed
Level up
- Exercise outdoors at least 3x per week
- Work near an open window when possible
- Take calls while walking outside
- Eat one meal outdoors daily