There's no wifi in the forest but you'll get a better connection.
So often in our modern world we are spending more time inside and less time being active. Getting outside can help on both counts, but there’s more to it than this. Yes it gives us fresh air and exercise but there’s also a fundamental part of being connect to nature that we miss in our modern society.
It can be as simple as taking your lunch break in the park today, going for a walk in the bush or forest after work or taking time out to be at the beach. Surround yourself in nature and notice what’s around you.
There’s a reported alarming vitamin D shortage in many developed nations, particularly in the northern hemisphere where we do not get enough sunlight. But there are other advantages to being outside. It gives us an important connection with the natural world that we are losing touch with. These days we spend so much time connected to our virtual world or inside our offices/homes we sometimes forget where we came from and what is necessary for our health. We no longer live off the land, many of us are confined to cities living and working in concrete towers. As a result we have lost touch of our connection with nature which studies are suggesting is vital for our health. We know how refreshing it feels to take a walk in the park or sit by a lake and research is now showing it goes much further than that.
The connection we get from being in nature utilises all the senses and brings clarity and focus which is why sometimes when we’re struggling for inspiration in the office or to solve a complex problem it helps to take a stroll to clear our mind. Many offices are now using walking meetings as a way of improving health, creativity and productivity. Particularly in the technological age when emails and phones so often disrupt our concentration and cause breaks in our creativity. I know myself I can be sat at the laptop being uninspired finding every conceivable distraction, surfing Facebook and anything else but writing, I go for a walk on the beach and instant inspiration seems to come and when I return to the laptop it seems to flow – how does that happen!
UK charity Mind suggest that time in nature is beneficial for those with depression. It enhances mood, self esteem, reduces anger and confusion and tension, and has also been linked to lower blood pressure, reducing pain and strengthening the immune system. In a study conducted by Mind depression patients were sent for a short walk. Of those who walked in a woodland 71% improved compared to 22% for those who walked in a shopping centre.
At the same time as we are suffering from a lack of outdoor sunlight we also need more exercise. Diseases like obesity and depression are at epidemic proportions and still worsening whilst scientific studies suggest that being outside more often could help on both counts.
So whether it’s a 20 minute walk in the bush or spending lunch at the park, get out in nature today.
I’d love to hear what you think and how you get on, share your experience of the challenge not just with me but friends, colleagues and others in the 30 day challenge community. Using the Facebook page and website. It’s not too late for others to join in, so feel free to forward this on to others you think may appreciate it.
