These days it’s harder to disconnect from our work and make time to enjoy ourselves and recharge outside.
Prioritizing your health and wellbeing will increase your productivity and your health in the long run. Nature has so many amazing benefits. Studies show that a minimum of 2 hours a week spent in nature, either in one visit or over multiple visits, is needed to significantly increase your health and wellbeing.
Benefits from connecting with nature during the week:
Increase vitamin D levels: Spending time outside literally helps give you important vitamins. Studies show that getting between 15 and 20 minutes a day of sunshine will help your body absorb vitamin D. This is important for strengthening bones and reducing your risk of cancer.
Improve sleep: Spending time outside in the natural light gives you vitamin D and helps regulate your circadian rhythm. Natural light helps your body regulate itself. After the sun goes down, your brain will release the right melatonin levels to help get a good night’s sleep. Good sleep leads to better memory and sharper focus!
Increase happiness: Spending outside increases happiness. With so many fun activities from hiking, walking, skiing, surfing, swimming, biking, or rollerblading, finding activities that you enjoy will boost your mood and make you feel happier.
Here are some ways you can disconnect from work during the week to reconnect to nature:
Eat meals outside: Prioritize eating a meal outside every day. Leave your phone inside and connect to the outside world around you while you enjoy a meal. Listen to the nature sounds of birds and enjoy the signs like the trees and flowers. Enjoying a meal outside is an easy way to soak up some vitamin D and reset your body during your busy day in nature.
Go for walks: Going for a walk is a great easy way to get outside every day. Getting outside for a walk can help you connect to nature no matter where you are. If you feel tired, sluggish, and unfocused while working, take a short break to stroll around the block. The sun and fresh air will help give you a natural energy boost without the crash of caffeine.
Set aside time each day to do something outside: Try a new activity or hobby outside. Have you always wanted to try camping, hiking, surfing, or mountain biking? There are so many fun outdoor activities that will help get you out in nature. If you’ve always wanted to try a new outdoor activity, take a lesson, join a Facebook group, or a Meetup. There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors, and there are so many resources out there to help you get started.
