What was your ‘outdoor life’ like as a child? Did you spend a lot of time outdoors when you were younger? I sure did. I was always looking for a neighborhood friend to go to the park, play kickball, climb a tree or build a fort. We were always outside...for hours at a time. Most of our parents in the 80’s supported this outdoor lifestyle as they insisted we didn’t come back inside until they called us for dinner or it was time for bed!
Now compare that childhood memory to your ‘outdoor life’ as an adult. What do you notice? So many of our waking hours as adults can easily be spent inside our homes, offices and cars. We have become accustomed to being in temperature controlled environments, surrounded by fluorescent lights and the consistent glare of a screen of some sort. It has become totally normal to pass through the outdoor world only briefly as we leave our homes and offices to get into our cars to head to our next appointment or commitment that is usually scheduled indoors as well.
Sadly, I’m noticing the lifestyle I described above is starting to appear in my children’s lives as well. They leave our home to start their long days at school, surrounded by lots of desks and chairs, fluorescent lights and most likely a screen of some sort. There is limited time for outdoor recess or perhaps none at all if you’re past the 5th grade. After school they find themselves seated back inside a car or bus to get to their scheduled practices and lessons that are most likely scheduled indoors as well. I’m not trying to be negative, overly critical or complain. I’m just describing the new normal we are all becoming accustomed to in the United States.
Many studies have proven that spending time in nature or living close to natural green space is linked to significant health benefits. It reduces the risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stress, anxiety and depression while improving the quality and duration of sleep. Exposing yourself to more time outdoors will help increase your attention span, your creativity and your ability to connect with other people in a meaningful way. Wow.
Oh, and have you heard of forest bathing? It’s a real thing! This is a popular form of therapy in Japan where you are encouraged to spend time in the forest either sitting, lying down or simply walking around. So simple, yet apparently very effective!
What does this tell us?
When you feel anxious, depressed, overwhelmed - go outside!
When you feel bored, disconnected, lonely - go outside!
When you feel happy, energetic, optimistic - go outside!
Sounds great, right? But how do we actually get more time outdoors when our days are so busy and overscheduled? It starts with baby steps. Small, consistent, daily choices that start to tip the scale towards more fresh air and sunlight. You could choose to start your day with a quick 15 minute walk before your shower. Not interested in waking up earlier to do that? Squeeze it in during lunchtime or after dinner. Seriously, find the time. It doesn’t have to be hours. Small moments consistently repeated throughout the week add up to a significant
amount of time over the course of the week, month and year!
Nobody is going to create this time for you. YOU need to do that. It is your personal
responsibility to create the necessary space for you to focus on your priorities in life. I suggest you start by taking the time to review your week. Really look at the details of each and every commitment and obligation you have. Observe and take note of exactly where you spend your time each day. Intentionally decide what changes need to be made and then make the necessary adjustments to create the space needed for you to focus on your goals.
Get into the habit of asking yourself this question each day, “Where can I make minor changes throughout my days to be more effective with my time?”
Creating a new lifestyle requires a change in habits and daily choices. That’s it. This advice is simple, but certainly not easy. Becoming aware of your current habits and being willing to change is the first step.
Many of you might be so disconnected from your childhood days of outdoor play that once you do get outside you find yourself at a loss of what to do next! Here is a short list for you to reference. Keep it simple and keep it fun or it’s unlikely you’ll stick with it for long. Find something that grabs your attention and make it happen!
Talk a walk, run, hike.
Ride a bike, row a boat or rollerskate.
Plant a garden, mow the lawn, rake the leaves.
Take a deep breath, feel the sun, enjoy the breeze.
Smell the rain, wander in the forest, visit the beach.
Listen to the birds, hang the laundry, climb a tree. You could even go fly a kite!
You get the point. This list could go on and on...and the best part is that most of the
suggestions are FREE! Be creative!
I am optimistic and hopeful that our connection with nature will only continue to improve. I see people all around me each and every day who are finally choosing to prioritize their health and wellness. They are becoming more comfortable with investing time and money towards supporting their self care practices. People are actively seeking employment opportunities that prioritize employee wellness and the support this work environment provides. They are interested in employee wellness programs and very much appreciate these efforts to help them restore balance. And it makes complete sense for employers to invest their time, money and
energy into these programs considering there are literally millions of work days lost each year due to stress, anxiety and depression alone. Not to mention the other illnesses and hospital stays required due to poor health which can be drastically improved simply by getting more time outdoors!
We are beginning to truly understand that the simplest changes, repeated consistently are the ones that create the most impact.
Now would be the perfect time to stand up, get your sneakers on and get yourself moving Outdoors!
There’s an entire world of health benefits out there just waiting for you!
Holly Mann
Personal Success Coach
Founder of Fresh Habits: freshhabits.net
I am on a mission to facilitate meaningful conversations that encourage individuals to upgrade and expand their habits and routines which will ultimately allow them to live life at their fullest potential!
