TIME OUTDOORS – A VITAL WELLNESS THERAPY

Let’s face it, the modern high tech lifestyle has a massive downside to it, and that is depression, a negative outlook and lack of wellbeing.  That’s because the human body was not programmed to spend all its time indoors, seated in front of a computer or television. We’ve heard it repeated often enough - today’s diseases have everything to do with the unhealthy lifestyle that we are pressured to follow. But it’s time for a wake-up call. We need to go back to the outdoors if we want to go forward in health.

Nature was designed for us and we were designed to enjoy nature. There’s so much talk today about going green and living green, but how about being amidst the green? And it’s not just strolling around a golf course that we are talking about, but a real, one-on-one reconnection with mother earth.

Being outdoors, hiking, climbing or walking, increases stamina, fitness, and endurance, and beats working out in the confines of a gym any day!

It may surprise you to know that immersing yourself in nature has been proven to boost the immune system function and lower levels of inflammation in the body.  Some researchers have even linked time spent outdoors to a decreased incidence of chronic illnesses. Try walking on the beach, and you’ll know why!

Another eye-opening fact is that research has also shown that spending time outdoors, amidst nature, can not only slow the progression of poor vision but actually reverse the process of vision degeneration.  That’s because of the vibrant colors that our eyes can feast on – hues that heal rather than harm.

A major reason to be heading for the outdoors as often as possible is because nature is known to enhance emotional wellbeing, and elevate the mood and self-esteem. It is also the greatest stress reliever and has been linked to sharper thinking, greater creativity, improved memory, and better concentration.  Take a long walk at sunrise, stop by a lake and feast your eyes on beauty, and you will forget your cares and feel your spirits lift.

Find time in your busy schedule for Mother Nature. There is no better way to promote the all-round wellbeing of your body, mind, and soul.