Did you know there are major health benefits to getting outdoors every day? Whether it’s a lush forest, a serene local park, or your garden, nature has a way of calming our minds and restoring our bodies. Some studies show that being in nature can lower your cortisol levels, the stress hormone in the body. If we live with elevated cortisol levels from daily stresses and don’t actively find ways to decrease these levels daily, we are contributing to the inflammatory load in our bodies that can lead to various health issues over time. Being in nature doesn’t always have to be a bright, sunny day. Simply being exposed to daylight first thing in the morning, even on an overcast day, helps regulate our circadian rhythms to optimize better sleep patterns. Beauty can be found in all types of weather once you commit to getting outside every day. Today on the blog & podcast, let’s explore the benefits of nature and how to make it a priority in your everyday life.
Why You Need to Get Outdoors Every Day
(5 Steps to Make It Happen)
#1 Schedule Regular Outdoor Time
Write it in your calendar. Whether it’s a morning walk to the bus stop with your kids or a quick walk on your lunch break, prioritize this time in nature in your daily routines.
#2 Find Local Spots
Take a moment and discover your local parks and trails that exist in your area. Whether you're surrounded by farmland or in the middle of an urban city, we’re never too far from nature. It could be just around the block.
#3 Invest in Quality Outerwear
Get ahead of the potential excuses that come with changing weather and invest in quality outerwear. If you’re dressed appropriately, you will enjoy your time in nature much more and find it a bright spot in your daily routine. Think about waterproof jackets, practical footwear for a specific activity, warm layers, breathable fabrics, etc.
#4 Engage in Outdoor Activities
Whether you find walking boring or want to branch out, identify an activity that excites you. Maybe it’s tennis or basketball or gardening in your backyard. The idea is to find something enjoyable that gets you outdoors and moving simultaneously.
#5 Involve Others
Find a friend or family member, so you can enjoy connecting with others and forming relationships while enjoying the beautiful benefits of nature. You can also find local outdoor groups, whether a community gathers to enjoy outdoor activities.
3 Books to Read on Enjoying the Outdoors
Book 1: Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Kimmerer
Book 2: The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative by Florence Williams
Book 3: The Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv
Listen to the podcast episode below:
Thank you for listening in and reading along… I would love to hear your thoughts… Join the conversation & send me an email at elizabeth@integratedbeingllc.com. I look forward to connecting with you & going on this journey of life together.
xo, Lizzie