Whatever the weather and regardless of your age, when you’re outside it’s easier to get in touch with your body, mind and spirit. People of all ages, from babies to older adults, benefit from taking in fresh air and sunshine — and it’s simple to find ways to work time outdoors into your day.
A little bit goes a long way, and you can combine time outside with other activities like taking a walk or playing with your children in the back yard. What’s more, spending a few minutes outside the walls of your office or home can help improve your physical and mental wellbeing.
After all, nature provides so much of what’s needed to help you feel whole.
Just a few minutes outside each day can help you:
Boost Your Creativity
Have you ever solved a problem as soon as you decided to take a break from thinking about it? Getting outside for a short while is the same thing — only better. Taking midday breaks away from your desk can provide a much-needed change of scenery and help you attack your work with new vigor and fresh perspective.
Gain Extra Energy
Skip the coffee and go outside to give your brain an energy boost. A breath of fresh air provides your body energy and can help you feel better overall.
Get the Vitamin D Your Body Needs
Although vitamin D is present in some foods, like fortified milk, we get more than 90 percent of our vitamin D from casual exposure to sunlight. It helps us absorb calcium, prevents osteoporosis, and even reduces inflammation.
Soothe Your Mind and Spirit
Turns out you really should stop and smell the flowers. Natural scents like roses, freshly cut grass, and pine — which are likely in abundance in your own back yard or community — can make you feel calmer and more relaxed. Think of it as free aromatherapy.
Improve Your Heart Health
While you're outdoors, pay attention to the sights and sounds of nature around you. This soothing environment can lower your blood pressure, pulse and heart rate, and can reduce stress hormone levels.
Make You Happier
If the shorter days of winter make you feel anxious, depressed and exhausted, you may have seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Going outside and taking a walk, even on the coldest, cloudiest winter day, can give your spirit a lift.
Get Outside All Year
You can get outside in all kinds of weather, from the coldest to the hottest, as long as you plan ahead. Check the weather and dress for the season: layers in cold weather, lightweight, light-colored clothing in hot weather. Just remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, even on the coldest day.
Enjoy Yourself and Feel Whole Outside
Whether you want to exercise or just enjoy the scenery, the principals of CREATION Life show that getting outside as much as you’re able can help you feel whole. Whenever you feel cooped up in your office or stifled for new ideas, just open the door and step outside to all that awaits.
