On any given day, you can find me in my bedroom, living room, Nau Hall, Newcomb, the AFC, Alderman, restaurants on the Corner and Clemons. Aside from my 20 minute walks to and from my classes and Central Grounds, I spend the majority of time enclosed by white walls and fluorescent lights. Our lifestyles in college usually demand the indoors — thanks to our constant attachment to outlets and Wi-Fi — and time outside is more elusive than one might assume.
But being outside is actually really, really good for us. The sun is our best source of Vitamin D, a hormone essential to maintaining a healthy immune system. Enough sunlight has been linked to the prevention of diabetes, autoimmune disorders, multiple sclerosis and heart disease. Additionally, indoor pollutants are usually two to five — and even up to 100 — times higher than outdoor pollutants, so exposure to clean air isn’t just a hoax. Psychologically, being outside can improve focus and outlook and ease depression.
But, just like anything else, it’s hard to find time for things that are good for us. On a beautiful day, I’d love nothing more than to spread out on the Lawn or enjoy lunch in the Amphitheatre, but I just end up in Newcomb or Alderman Café. I wanted to take advantage of this beautiful Charlottesville springtime, so I decided to spend one hour outside each day for a week.
If you make a conscious effort, it’s very possible to work the outdoors into U.Va. life. I decided to eat most of my lunches outside, either on the picnic tables by Newcomb or in one of U.Va.’s beautiful gardens. Even though class readings can be tedious, reading them under a tree on the Lawn makes the process much more enjoyable. For those of us with access to cars, there are tons of parks within five miles of U.Va. that are perfect for walks, runs and picnics. One day, I walked from my apartment to the astronomy building and back for office hours — when I normally would’ve driven or taken the bus — and found that a good playlist makes the half hour walk go by quickly. I also happened to get very lucky with weather — even on the one day with rain, the sky cleared in time for me to go on a run around 14th street and Rugby Road.
So, did I notice a difference? More so than anything else, being outside really did positively affect my mood. It makes sense — a cool breeze on a warm day on the Lawn is a lot more pleasant than Clemons’ wooden tables and general atmosphere of melancholy. Running through our little off-Grounds neighborhood and bumping into friends was more enjoyable than the AFC’s indoor track, which becomes monotonous after a few laps.
This is the type of change I believe is sustainable and fun. I definitely see myself enjoying more time outside, especially as the winter months fade away and we can enjoy sun and the mid-seventies.
Next week, I’ll be going green for every meal — essentially making sure I have at least one serving of a green, leafy vegetable for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Join in and take on the challenge with me!
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