FIT& HEALTHY
Discover the benefits of the great outdoors with the “1,000 Hours Outside” challenge
WORDS: KAREN EVENNETT
THIS MONTH – GET OUT THERE!
Clock up your steps – and enjoy more time outdoors. There’s no better time than the month of June to soak up the benefits of a healthy dose of sunlight. The “1,000 Hours Outside” challenge was designed to help children spend less time indoors on devices by encouraging them to spend 1,000 hours outdoors annually – but it’s a goal we can all aim for.
Start by getting outdoor time in summer, then aim to meet those 1,000 hours across the year.
HERE COMES THE SUN
It may sound counter-intuitive, but getting out and about early in the morning will help you achieve a better night’s sleep.
It’s all about getting in tune with your circadian rhythm, so try tweaking your routine to get outside as early as you can.
BODY BENEFITS
Being exposed to enough daylight is proven to lift our mood and increase our energy.
However, there’s evidence that it also helps lower blood pressure, reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome, heals inflammation and prevents cancer.
TICK TOCK
Across a year, getting outside for 1,000 hours equates to about 20 hours a week of natural daylight, but the 1,000 Hours Challenge considers the darker months.
Living in the UK, aim to be outside at least five hours a day in summer, and one hour a day through January.
THIS MONTH WE LOVE… Athleisure
You’ll have zero excuse to skip exercise if you’re dressed and ready to add chunks of fitness activity into your day.
Athleisure clothing feels comfortable around the house and won’t look out of place when you’re out and about. Wear it to pop to the shops, walk your dog, work from home, and motivate yourself to stretch and strengthen your body.
● Opt for a cropped T-shirt over a vest. The Seamless Active Racer Back Single Mesh Panel Tank Top (£22) and Sustainable Cropped T-Shirt (£22) from
Up.clothing use Drirelease fabric to keep you fresh and dry all day long.
● Team with multi-purpose pants. The Domyos Women’s Fitness Jogging Bottoms 100 (£14.99) from decathlon. co.uk have a tailored look.
● For shoes that offer arch support and bunion prevention, it’s worth splurging on Vionic’s range of white trainers in a choice of wide and med
