Weekly round-up: Why spending time outdoors can improve your health

Why spending time outdoors can improve your health [View in browser]( [Patient](   ☰✕ [Latest features]( [Symptom checker]( [Community]( [Topics](   [Boots hearing aids]( [Boots hearing aids]( Welcome to our pick of the latest Patient features   We know it's tempting to curl up on the sofa during these colder and darker days, but getting outside can do wonders for your health. This is especially true if you're experiencing social anxiety during Christmas gatherings, but we have tips on how to get this under control. Finally, we explore how the cold weather can be tough on our skin. In this week's video, we explain what exactly a cold is. Don’t forget you can access even more articles, recipes and videos at [Patient.info](.   Dr Krishna Vakharia, Clinical Director, Patient. Featured this week [Why spending time outdoors can improve your health]( [Why spending time outdoors can improve your health]( When it's cold and dark out, it's tempting to stay inside and curl up on the sofa instead of going out for some fresh air. But being outdoors has been shown to lower stress, blood pressure and heart rate, while increasing mood and improving mental health. And whether you're walking, running or pottering in the garden, being outside is increasingly being prescribed by health professionals to improve people's well-being. [Read more]( You might have missed [How to manage social anxiety during Christmas gatherings]( [How to manage social anxiety during Christmas gatherings]( [Dry skin in winter: what cold weather can do to your skin]( [Dry skin in winter: what cold weather can do to your skin]( Featured video [[ratio]  ]( [What is a cold? | Patient Explainers]( The common cold and most upper respiratory infections are caused by infection with germs (viral infections). They usually get better in a week or two. This leaflet gives some tips on what to do and what symptoms to look out for which may indicate a more serious illness. [Watch here]( [general-health]( [general-health]( [Flu]( [Flu]( [Patient]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [YouTube]( [Pinterest]( [Instagram](   © Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. Registered in England and Wales.   Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds LS19 6BA. Patient is a UK registered trade mark.   Why have I received this email?   These newsletters are sent to a broad range of Patient users who have opted in to receiving marketing materials. We send newsletters highlighting common issues and ailments which are likely to be of general interest to our users. These newsletters may be sponsored by third parties, who may offer services in relation to the relevant conditions in the newsletters. They are generic and not sent based on anything in your medical record or that you may have discussed with your doctor. However, if you'd rather not receive them, you can [unsubscribe here](.   [Terms & conditions]( [Privacy policy]( [Support]( [Sign in](