I don’t know about you but I am so happy to see the daylight out for longer. I am so much happier when the sun is shining. I feel like I have more hours in the day to be productive and enjoy my time outside so much more.
When it got dark and cold the motivation to go for an evening stroll was far and in-between so daily walks weren’t quite as regular. The small commitment to getting some daylight and nature in at the start of my morning has had such a positive impact on my day. I tend to stroll for half an hour listening to the next podcast in my Spotify queue.
Last week I listened to one that spoke about morning routines and touched on the importance of ‘green space’. I find the term pretty funny. Scientists are great at making something so simple sound kind of complicated! The podcast talked about all the research that promotes walks in a natural environment. There is evidence it can increase mental well being, reduce stress, boost immunity and can increase our ability to concentrate and focus our thoughts.
If we didn’t know that before lockdown we certainly do now…
Lockdown shut down all the usual indoor spots which meant so many more people got outside. In cities, gardens and parks, for a lot of people became a big huge factor in helping to stay physically and mentally healthy. Pre 2020 I’d have said I was pretty good at getting outside. I would go on walks most weekends, travel out to nature reserves and enjoy the different seasons for what they bought.
However with the year of 2020 made me realise I wasn’t doing enough to appreciate the little things in nature around me ever single day.
I know a lot of people found themselves outside a lot more last year and I’m sure anyone reading this will agree getting outside was good for the soul. Although there is still a lot of research to be done I wanted to share some evidence-backed reasons as to why taken from Dr. Rangan Chatterjee.
- It lowers stress levels, reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
- Studies have shown that being in nature can reduce symptoms of depression.
- Spending time in nature can help increase attention span and focus.
- It boosts your immune system. Seriously! Apparently trees emit chemicals that have been shown to have a positive effect on immunity.
- It increases energy levels and reduces fatigue. If we exercise in nature, rather than in a gym, we tend to exercise for longer. One study found that people who exercise in the outdoors on a regular basis have higher levels of a hormone called serotonin, which reduces tiredness and helps keep us in a happier mood – always a good thing.
- It lowers disease risk. Data from over 290 million people across 20 countries found that spending time in nature, or living near to it, can help reduce type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure, as well as improve sleep.
While we are all hoping lockdown is coming to an end soon I’m certainly committed to continuing my morning walks beyond the pandemic. Taking some time to myself, to get fresh air, notice nature and focus my thoughts can only be a good thing.
