Outdoor dining is the perfect summer activity, and many of us look forward to family picnics or barbecues.
As well as being a sociable and relaxing way to spend time with loved ones, friends and colleagues, some studies suggest eating outdoors is also very beneficial to our health.
Eating outside can lead to changes in the body which contribute to better mood and lower stress.
So whatever the weather, taking the opportunity to dine outside is always a good idea.
Social Benefits
Outdoor dining leads to an increase in social interaction. This helps us to form good relationships and is an ideal environment for children to develop communication skills and benefit from quality ‘screen-free’ family time.
It’s also a good way for schools to support pupils as time outdoors is shown to improve mental wellbeing as well as have a positive effect on attainment.
From a practical point of view, having an outdoor dining area takes the pressure off indoor areas and with playground improvements such as a dining canopy and picnic tables, schools can maximise the use of their outdoor areas.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays an important role in bone, teeth and muscle health. In 2022, the UK Government launched a campaign to raise awareness of the importance of the vitamin for a healthy life.
In the UK, people obtain the majority of Vitamin D from sunlight on their skin during spring and summer as dietary sources of Vitamin D are limited.
This has to be balanced of course with sensible exposure to sunlight.
Fabric canopies, such as the Triple Conic or Fabric Arc, offer 100% UV protection as well as waterproof overhead cover so are ideal for the English climate.
Healthy Choices
Eating outdoors is also likely to help more people make healthy food choices. Diners are more likely to be influenced to ‘eat right’ when outdoors with friends and family as they like to be seen to be eating healthily.
Being in a relaxed social situation can reduce cortisol levels, a hormone which spikes in stressful situations.
Being outdoors is known to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety so making outdoor dining a lifestyle choice can lead to better wellbeing.
If your school, business, workplace or healthcare setting would like to benefit from an outdoor dining canopy or outdoor dining furniture, contact our teams today.