Ah! Spring and summer…we are finally making our way into my favorite time of year. More daylight, warmer weather, and more time outdoors. Morning coffee on the patio, morning or evening walks or bike rides, dinner outside, sitting by the pool…I could go on and on. I notice the more time I’m able to spend outside, the happier and better I feel. It seems that we are able to just slow down a little bit and enjoy the season.
This time of year is the perfect reminder that spending time outside offers simple but powerful health benefits that can improve both physical and mental wellness.
1. Boost Your Mood Naturally- A little sunshine goes a long way! There’s just something about the sun on my skin(in moderation, of course) that makes me feel amazing. A dose of vitamin D can turn my frowns upside down quickly. The fresh air…well, it really is a breath of fresh air! Being cooped up inside all day just isn’t my jam. Nature just has a calming effect for me. I love to hear the birds chirp, smell the flowers and freshly cut grass, or watch a sunset. A short walk, just 10-15 minutes or sitting on the front porch can completely change my whole day. So next time you find yourself a little moody, see if a little time outdoors can give you the reset you need to take on your day.
2. Improve Your Space and Strengthen Your Relationships– Going outside doesn’t always mean you have to get in a workout….you can actually work OUT to improve your outdoor space or improve your relationship with your loved ones. Get outside and play with your kids or play fetch with your dog. Find some fun outdoor games to play with your family. All those “giant” games like Jenga and Connect Four are so entertaining. When the playing winds down…work on cleaning up your space. Pull some weeds, pick up some sticks, blow off some leaves. Tidying up the yard and making outdoors spaces more pleasing to the eyes can do a lot for mental wellness. That little sense of accomplishment can go a long way.
3. Improve Your Sleep…Yes, by Going Outside!– Sunlight helps regulate your body clock, it keeps that circadian rhythm in check. Being active during the day will help improve your nighttime sleep. It’s the perfect excuse to sit outside and have your morning coffee or to get out and take a walk after lunch. You will find that you’re on your phone less…and enjoying your surroundings more. I don’t know about you, but I LOVE a good night of sleep, so if there are ways to improve it, you can bet I’m going to try it!
4. Unplug and Disconnect…From Screens– Leave your phone inside and get yourself outside! Be more present and in the moment for your family and for yourself. Our phones are time-suckers, our time is precious…don’t let your phone steal your time from you. Instead listen to music on an outdoor speaker, read a book, or write in a journal. If you’ve recently started a wellness journey and are looking for a journal to keep you accountable and focused on your goals…Progress Over Perfection may be just the thing you need.
No matter what your wellness goals are, just getting outside everyday makes a huge difference in your well-being. Being in the sunshine and out in nature will boost your mood naturally. Unplugging and disconnecting from your phone and just ‘being” outside can improve your sleep, your relationships and your space.
Sometimes we tend to overcomplicate wellness, thinking it has to be structured, scheduled, and perfectly planned. But the truth is, one of the most powerful things you can do for your health is also one of the simplest. Step outside. Move your body. Breathe a little deeper. Be present for a few minutes. It doesn’t have to be perfect–it just needs to happen. And who knows, just like Superman…”with a healthy dose of yellow sun, we might just have you up and at ’em in no time.”
My Favorite Outdoor Essentials:
For my walks, these New Balance 680 are my absolute favorite walking shoes. They are honestly the most comfortable walking shoes I’ve ever had…I’m currently on my 3rd pair. You’ll also never catch me outside without my Blenders sunglasses. Always a cute and comfortable fit and come in so many styles!
These “giant” games can create hours of outdoor entertainment. Connect Four, Jenga, Dice Game(Yardzee), and Sorry!
If I decide to get some yard work done…it never happens without my Fiskars Gardening Tool Set.
My favorite outdoor coffee mug for those morning “sits”. And of course, you’ll want a cozy place to sit…we love our outdoor sectional. On chilly mornings or evenings, we like to keep this oversized blanket on hand…it’s big enough for everyone on the sectional to snuggle up under!
Simple Ways to Get Outside This Week:
-Morning coffee on the patio
-10-15 minute walk
-Eat dinner outside
-Read a book outside
-Sit on the porch…without your phone
-Clean an outdoor space
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Ecclesiastes 11:7 (KJV): “Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun.”
