College Being

So you’ve heard about the dangers of sun exposure, but did you know it could be even more dangerous to stay inside? Quit worrying about your lily-white skin and hit the beach, you’ll be glad you did. Here are five reasons to break out your sunscreen and toast your tootsies.

1. Exercise

It’s so much easier to exercise outdoors. Treadmills are boring! Get out there and see some sights while you run. Play games, like basketball or tennis, and forget you’re even burning calories. Your bike is a great way to get around and a heck of a lot cheaper than gas.

---

2. Vitamin D

“Two forms are important in humans: ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). Vitamin D2 is synthesized by plants. Vitamin D3 is synthesized by humans in the skin when it is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from sunlight.” At least ten minutes of sunshine is needed daily for your body to produce the vitamin D3 that you need. The major function of vitamin D is to maintain levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. Research also suggests that vitamin D may provide protection from osteoporosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer, and several autoimmune diseases.

---

3. Social

It’s so much more fun to hand around in groups when you are outside than being crammed in a room like sardines. The next party you throw or gathering you have, try to make it outside. If it’s daytime, try a picnic. Fun plus food equals a good time had by all. If it is night, light it up! Tiki torches or even car headlights provide a fun atmosphere and no one will call the cops to tell you to turn down your music!

---

4. Brain break

Even the biggest geeks need a break once in a while. Study breaks give you time to recharge and reevaluate. Take a breath of fresh air, look at some scenery, and stop to smell the roses. Your brain, and your test scores, will thank you.

---

5. Experience

If you are stuck in school all the time, studying in the library, or even hanging out in your dorm, you are missing out on experiencing your town. Every place has something to offer. Your town may have an active night life, it may have a boardwalk or beach, it may have a cool historical district, or just beautiful scenery. You’ll never know if you don’t venture forth and look. Don’t be the guy who knows nothing about the town they went to school in. Take the time to explore.

There you have it; five reasons to get outside. Don’t end up a pasty egg-head, get outside and join in on the fun. If your school isn’t big on the out-of-doors, start something yourself. Winter, Spring, or Fall, you can enjoy the outdoors. So take a chance, take a deep breath, and get outside!

This Guest post is by Christine Kane, a graduate of Communication and Journalism. She enjoys writing about a wide-variety of subjects including internet providers in my area for different blogs. She can be reached via email at: Christi.Kane00 @ gmail.com

[All photos free courtesy of MorgueFile.com.]