Feeling low? Get Some Fresh Air
The world has changed so much. We are now living in a true digital era where our devices are the most used accessories and tools in our households.
The Covid-19 Pandemic acerbated the usage by keeping us locked indoors with only Netflix and TikTok dances to keep us sane. This trajectory to lean on digital devices has seen a huge decline on the time we, as a collective, spend outdoors.
Don’t get me wrong……our devices can be wonderful things, keeping us up to date with information, amused with the latest trends and of course, keeping us all connected. But, the fast shift into a digital world has meant that we spend less and less time outside.
Let’s go back to a time when spending time outdoors was just the norm. I am from a generation where kids were outside playing until the streetlights came on. That was the cue to go home for dinner, a bath and maybe a storybook before bed.
But there is more to being outdoors than just some distant memory. There are actual, real health benefits to getting outside and breathing in fresh air.
Our connection to the Earth
People are intrinsically connected to the Earth. In ancient times, tribes flourished and adapted to their natural habitats to survive for thousands of years. Many ancient tribes placed their spiritual beliefs in Gods inspired by nature. We have a long history of being intertwined with Mother Earth. As such, our bond makes it so we, people, benefit from the wonders of planet Earth. This isn’t just a fad or “hippie” attitude, there are real studies that prove exactly how connected we are to the planet.
A 2023 review published by Biological Conservation set out to get some facts and found that contact to nature enhances people’s health and wellbeing. While we all know the advantages of getting some fresh air, studies like this one solidify that age old advice.
We are deeply connected to nature, through the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, the pets we adopt and many other various ways. It’s only natural, that our bodies, minds and spirits would flourish with exposure to the natural world.
A Digital Era
Perhaps COVID accelerated our shift to a more digital world. Nevertheless the increase in digital activity and decrease of outdoor activities are changing our everyday lives. The shift to more digital activities is contributing to a range of health issues from increased obesity, poor posture and social anxiety putting pressure on our health and wellbeing systems.
The rise of remote work is also contributing to longer working hours, apathy to get outside and decreasing much needed social interactions with colleagues.
The Benefits of Getting Outside
Have you ever been told to get outside and get some fresh air? Whenever I’m stressed or feel overwhelmed, I like to go outside for a walk. After a few minutes, I feel calmer. This isn’t a coincidence, it’s a direct impact of being outdoors.
According to a 2019 study can have positive impacts on your health and wellbeing; including;
Mental health benefits - reducing anxiety symptoms and stress, calming th eheart rate and calming the nervous system.
Improved Mood - Spending time connecting with nature has shown to reduce feelings of sadness and lift your mood.
Vitamin D Boost - Exposure to safe sunlight helps the body to synthesise Vitamin D which is esential for bone health and our immune function. Don’t forget to always apply sunscreen.
Improved cardiovascular health - spending time outdoors can lower blood pressure contributing to better cardiovascular health.
Increases calmness - Being immersed in nature promotes feelings of calm, joy and creativity fostering a sense of mindfulness.
Better Sleep - Exposure to the outdoors and natural light can help regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
Is it really that simple?
Well, you won’t find out unless you try.
While getting outdoors isn’t the answer to all the problems you may be experiencing. There is enough evidence to suggest, that spending quality time outdoors, may be beneficial to your overall wellbeing.
We all live busy lives, and finding the time to breathe some fresh air may be challenging when you’re juggling a busy schedule, but there are small shifts you can take to begin your journey to better health.
Start by making simple shifts like, eating your lunch outdoors. This can be done both in the office and if you work from home. If you have a schedule meeting where you know you won’t need to speak, make it a walking meeting and leave your camera off. Walk to the store to top up on bread and milk or schedule a “non negotiable” afternoon where you go for a half hour walk around your neighbourhood or a local park. By starting small and incorporation outdoor time with your current schedule, you will begin to build habits that won’t feel too difficult.
Now that you know the health benefits of getting outside and specifically how it can shift your mood, how will you be incorporating this into your weekly routine?
Let me know in the comments!
Monica
xx