The old expression, “to take a breath of fresh air”, literally means a refreshing change from what one is used to. Going outside and spending time in nature does wonders for mood and mental health.
People associate being outdoors with recreation and vacation, so it should be surprising that research show being outside in nature for just 20 minutes a day boosts vitality levels and make people feel more alive.*
Here are a few simple ideas to get outside for about 20 minutes everyday:
- Go for a walk. On a sidewalk, along a tree-lined path, as long as the sky is blue and the sun is shining it’s a great time to walk.
- Meditate. On a bench, in the grass, or wherever you can breathe fresh air, find a comfortable place to sit and rejuvenate.
- Read. Grab a book, magazine, or your favorite newsletter!
- Play ball. Shoot some hoops, play catch with a friend or fetch with a furbuddy.
- Talk to a neighbor. Say hello instead of going from the car straight into the house.
- Take to the garden. Pull weeds, plant flowers or just watch them grow.
- Wash your car. Get an actual bucket and hose and do it the old fashioned way.
Whatever you do take a moment to enjoy the air, listen to the birds, gaze at the clouds and reap the benefits of the outdoors.
“Nature is my medicine.” Sara Moss-Wolfe