Encouraging Outdoor Time Over Thanksgiving

Encouraging Outdoor Time Over Thanksgiving

At University Optometric Center, we believe Thanksgiving is more than turkey, pumpkin pie, and family debates over who gets the last crescent roll. It’s also a golden opportunity to give your eyes—and your overall well-being—a much-deserved breath of fresh air.
 

While cozy fireplaces and Netflix marathons are undeniably tempting, our eyes thrive when we spend time outdoors. In fact, research shows that time in natural light can reduce the risk of myopia progression in children, help regulate circadian rhythms, and even boost mood (something we can all use after three servings of stuffing).
 

So this Thanksgiving, between the football game and the second round of dessert, we encourage you to step outside and let your eyes drink in the season.

Why Outdoor Time Matters for Your Eyes

• Natural Light Is a Gift: Unlike artificial lighting, the sun provides the full spectrum of light, which helps keep our visual system balanced and alert.

• Focus Flexibility: Outdoor spaces allow your eyes to look beyond the short range of books, phones, and TVs, reducing digital eye strain.

• Vitamin D & Dopamine: Sunshine stimulates both, supporting not just physical health but also ocular health and even mood.

Thanksgiving-Friendly Outdoor Activities

• A Post-Turkey Stroll: Walking with family after the feast helps digestion and gives your eyes a soothing landscape beyond screens.

• Leaf-Collecting Adventure: For children, turning leaf-gathering into a game combines fresh air with creative fun—and sneakily gives their eyes a break from tablets.

• Backyard Football (or Frisbee): Classic, dynamic, and screen-free. Bonus: the movement encourages healthy circulation.

• Star Gazing After Pie: Autumn skies are crisp and clear; a perfect chance to look up, slow down, and appreciate the beauty above.

A Gentle Reminder for Digital Balance

Thanksgiving often comes with travel and downtime, which can lead to extended screen use. Encourage family members—especially children—to balance screen time with “green time.” Even short breaks outside can make a difference.

Gratitude Beyond the Plate

Thanksgiving is about gratitude, and what better way to honor your health than to give your eyes the gift of nature? By encouraging outdoor activities, you’re not just creating memories—you’re nurturing vision for years to come.

So this year, while the turkey rests and the pies cool, invite your family to step outside. Crisp leaves, cool air, and wide-open views may be just as nourishing as the feast itself.

University Optometric Center
Contact our office in Irvine or Newport Beach at (949)-854-7122 or (949) 476-2870 to book an appointment.