The Benefits of Spending Time in Outdoor Living Spaces

In our fast-paced, screen-filled lives, it's easy to forget the simple yet profound benefits of stepping outside. However, enjoying the outdoors can be challenging when you live in a four-season climate or manage seasonal bugs. Moving everyday activities to a covered deck, screened-in deck or three-season room can allow you to clock in more hours outdoors and reap the many benefits below. 

• Breathe Easier and Live Healthier - One of the most immediate benefits of being outdoors is improved air quality. As Emily Swaim of Healthline points out, people living in areas with more greenery are 34% less likely to seriously suffer from respiratory issues. (Swaim, 2022)

• Sleep Soundly and Wake Up Refreshed - Natural light plays a crucial role in regulating our circadian rhythm, the internal clock that governs our sleep-wake cycle. Spending time outdoors exposes us to sunlight, which helps us fall asleep easier and wake up feeling more rested. 

• Lift Your Spirits and Reduce Stress - Studies suggest that spending time in nature can significantly reduce symptoms of depression. While the exact mechanisms are still being explored, some researchers believe it may be linked to increased Vitamin D levels. Additionally, Mayo Clinic Press highlights nature's ability to provide mental restoration and stress relief. For those struggling with stress, Jodie M. Smith, a nurse at Mayo, recommends spending at least 15 minutes outdoors daily. (Youngblood Gregory, 2024 ) 

• Boost Your Brain and Cognitive Function - Nature's benefits extend to our cognitive abilities as well. A meta-analysis by Kirstin Weir on the impact of time outdoors on child development reveals that green spaces near schools can improve children's development and self-control. Even short glimpses of nature, like looking at a green roof, can enhance cognitive performance. Moreover, listening to nature sounds has been shown to improve cognitive test scores compared to listening to urban sounds. (Wier, 2025)

• Cultivate Kindness and Connection - Beyond individual benefits, spending time in nature can also foster positive social behaviors. Studies have shown that individuals who visit natural settings are likelier to cooperate and act generously towards others. Additionally, simply spending more time in nature is linked to a greater sense of connectedness to the environment and others. (Wier, 2025) 

It's clear that spending time outdoors is essential for our overall well-being. A deck, screened-in deck, or three-season room built by Town Corners Exteriors is a great way to blend indoor living with the health benefits of outdoor recreation for the whole family. Let's embrace the opportunity to reconnect and recharge in the great outdoors.

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REFERENCES

American Psychological Association. (2025, April 8). Nurtured by nature. Monitor on Psychology, 51(3). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature

Swaim, E. (2022, May 28). 8 Health benefits of getting back to nature and spending time outside. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/health-benefits-of-being-outdoors#emotional-wellness

Youngblood Gregory, Sara. (2024, April 17). The mental health benefits of nature: Spending time outdoors to refresh your mind. Mayo Clinic Press. https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/mental-health/the-mental-health-benefits-of-nature-spending-time-outdoors-to-refresh-your-mind/