7 reasons to head outside

7 reasons to head outside

Getting caught up in your day-to-days and not thinking about your me-today? We say take a time-out, grab your sunscreen and head outside. If that hasn’t got you running for the door, here’s seven good reasons to spend some you-time in the great outdoors.

1. Get a healthy dose of Vitamin Sunshine. Aside from the feel-good factor of a breath of fresh air and the warm sun hitting your face, Vitamin D is important for maintaining strong bones, teeth, and muscles. Vitamin D3 is naturally produced by your body when your skin is exposed to regular sunlight. So, slather on your favourite broad-spectrum sunscreen and take 10 minutes out to soak up the sun.
   
2. Just walk. You don’t need to exercise rigorously to reap the benefits of the endorphin hit you get from gentle physical activity. Take the dog or join a friend and head to your local park, cafe or just around the block. A short walk and a simple change of scenery works wonders for your wellbeing.
   
3. Take some me-time. Take it outside. Take some time to clear your head and unwind. Attend an outdoor yoga class or something a bit different like Tai Chi. If a group class isn’t your thing, try practising mindful meditation. There are some great podcasts out there that take you through a guided meditation or simply tune into the sounds of nature. You’ll feel better for it!
   
4. Unplug and unwind. Take a break from screen-time and head away for a weekend camping or tramping. If staying in a tent is a bit too close to nature, a day trip to a nature reserve, a picnic in the park, or a hike in the forest provides an opportunity to disconnect from screens and phones and reconnect with nature.
   
5. Energise yourself and sharpen your mind. After spending some time outside, you probably notice you return indoors feeling refreshed and energised. Instead of reaching for a second or third coffee, try taking five minutes outside to refocus and refresh.

6. Getting outside and amongst nature is good for your brain, reducing stress and improving your mood. Whether you realise or not, the scents of nature, like the smell of freshly cut grass or blossoming spring flowers can help to relieve stress and anxiety.
   
7. If you have absolutely no time to spare, just one minute of deep breathing in a peaceful spot is all it takes to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Head outside on your lunch break, find some green space. Reflect. Relax. Revive. Restore.