#Healthy, Exercising, Outdoor Activities, Parenting, Self-Care, Teachers, Weather

The Benefits of Walking or Running in The Rain

When it starts to rain, typically, the first instinct is to run and take cover inside. However, after reading this today, you may change your mind. This is because you will learn the health benefits of going out into the rain.

1. The air is purer.

After a heavy rainfall, the air is purer because as raindrops fall through the atmosphere, they have the ability to attract hundreds of particles of pollutants like dander, soot, sulfates and bacteria before hitting the ground.

2. Rain is good for your hair and skin.

Rain water is high in alkaline which is good for your hair and skin and does not contain harmful minerals. High levels of humidity in the air help keep your skin fresh.

3. Walks in the rain burn more calories and build more muscles.

Much like walks on the beach, walking or running in muddier surfaces forces you to use more muscle strength to move your legs and feet.

4. Chemicals released in the rain are stress reducing.

When water molecules crash together, as they do in falling rain, they create negative ions. Some researchers believe when these negative ions are inhaled, they create a chemical reaction that can reduce stress and anxiety. Read more on The Pyschology of Rain by clicking the link.

5. Running in the rain can increase metabolism and performance.

When performing any kind of exercise, your body’s temperature tends to increase, if you are working out in colder temperatures, the environment is helping cool your body and maintain a more stable temperature. This allows you to work harder for longer due to a lesser risk of overheating. As always, consult your Physician before trying a now workout regime.

6. Boost Your Immune System

This is done by exposing yourself to various different temperatures and life outside of the house. As a result, you will develop a stronger immune system for the future.

7. Connect with Nature

This is another way to connect with nature and it’s elements. Typically, we are indoors when it rains. It is a nice concept to embrace all of nature’s elements.

Read more here

Tips to Successfully Run in The Rain

1. Stay safe and inside if it is a severe storm or produces thunder, lightening, hail or tornadoes.

2. Dress appropriately in rain gear that will keep you somewhat dry. The goal is to enjoy the rain but not develop hypothermia or any other related illness.

3. Seal off electronics such as your iPhone or watch in a waterproof case.

#Healthy, Exercising, Parenting, Self-Care

Benefits of Exercising

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Exercising plays a major role in your overall well-being including happiness. Exercise is known to increase your mood and decrease anxiety and depression. Exercise increases endorphins and help produce positive feelings and reduce perception of pain. Exercise also improves mental health by improving relationships.

Exercising Releases Good Chemicals

Exercise causes the body to produce endorphins and trigger happiness.

Exercising can improve brain function and protect memory and thinking skills. Physical activity increases the flow of blood and oxygen to your brain. Exercising has shown to increase the functions within the hippocampus part of the brain which serves as the vital component in memory and learning. Studies have shown that physical activity can create new brain cells and improve overall brain performance.

Exercising Helps With Sleep Quality

Since exercising requires a certain level of energy, the quality of sleep increases as the body seeks to replenish the energy lost. Some studies have shown where exercising at night can have a reverse effect on sleeping for early birds but not night owls.

Exercise and Chronic Pain

When someone exercises, it is found to reduce their chronic pain. Physical activity can increase overall pain tolerance and decrease ones perception of pain.

The act of exercising is also known to improve skin health by increasing the body’s natural antioxidants that help protect cells. Physical activity stimulates blood flow and this can help delay the appearance of skin aging.

Enjoy Nature

For those that are outdoorsy, exercising allows you to enjoy nature when you choose to exercise outside. Outdoor exercises can range from running, hiking, rock climbing, and canoeing. It is advised to remember to protect your skin and eyes when exercising outdoors.

#Healthy, Exercising, Outdoor Activities, Parenting, Traveling

7 Unique Bicycle Designs

Bird of Prey Bicycle

Photo credit: Bird of Prey

Talk about focusing on hamstrings! If you’re looking for an intense leg workout, grab this bike and go for it! However, it is on the pricy side ranging just under $5,000. To purchase this bicycle, click here.

Modular Cargo Bicycle

Photo courtesy of World Design Guide

This bike was created with the purpose of carrying cargo to a desired destination with ease, while cycling. The steering by cables provides exceptional maneuverability, allowing the fork to turn over 75° to the right and left.

Electric Bicycle

Photo courtesy of Lopifit Walking Bike

This walking bike, named the Lopifit Walking Bike, is a treadmill and walking bike combination. This bike takes major coordination and balance from riders. The bike is propelled by a 350W motor, powered by a 48V 20 Ah Lithium-Ion battery.

Elliptical Bicycle

Photo courtesy of StreetStrider 7i

This 7-gear bike allows the rider to cruise, sprint, and even climb steep hills. This bicycle can cruise up to 20 mph while holding up to 300 lbs. To learn more, click here.

Four-Wheel, Two-Seater Bike

Photo courtesy of Parbikes

According to Parbikes, this bike is much safer given the design. The rationale is that 4 wheels are safer than 2 or 3. This bike is sure to get attention and can even have attachments included to the rear! This quad bike is great for couples. To learn more about it, click here.

No Seater Bike

Photo courtesy of Viks

No seater bicycle. Sounds cool right? In fact a beautiful bicycle, however, it does require another level of skill. To learn more about this unique bike, click here.

No Pedals Bicycle

Photo courtesy of Fliz

Flintstones have competition! This bike is sure to work your legs out as it requires fast pace walking to work! You’re essentially pacing (half-walking, half-running) but traveling faster and further than you would normally, thanks to the two wheels. To learn more, click here.