The Amazing Positive Power of Being Outside

”Make is easy for yourself: Start small. Make it manageable and something that you look forward to rather than a chore that your procrastinate about. You don’t need to spend hours outside to make a difference. Start with 10 minutes. Choose a time of day that works best for your commitments. We’re all different, some prefer company others need solitude. Do what’s right for you and to balance your life: Options of walking with someone (in person or virtual using headphone) or enjoy the solitude taking in nature around you or listen to a podcast or music. Whatever floats your boat.

Mental wellbeing: We all now know how much being stuck indoors can affect our mood and mental health. In a study conducted in lockdown1, researchers found 60 per cent of adults felt depressed and 46 per cent were more irritable when spending all of their time inside.

Cardiac rhythms: A lack of exposure to daylight (however grey) can seriously disrupt your body clock, ultimately affecting how well you eat, sleep and work. “Natural light is essential for keeping our circadian rhythms on track,” according to David Ray a professor of endocrinology at the University of Oxford. “Even one day of not experiencing it can affect your body clock.”

Reduce stress: Researchers at the University of Michigan found that people
asked to spend ten minutes or more at least three times a week walking in
parks, woodland or urban open spaces had significantly lower levels of the
stress hormone cortisol.

Heighten immunity: Your physical and mental energy is also affected. “Getting outside can help to heighten your focus and reduce stress levels in the body and brain,” says Dr Jennifer Wild, a consultant clinical psychologist and associate professor at the University of Oxford who is also the author of Be Extraordinary (Robinson). “Your heart rate will slow down and, if you can walk in woodland or greenery, then lower levels of inflammation-inducing stress hormones course through your body, which helps to heighten your immunity.

Make is easy for yourself: Start small. Make it manageable and something that you look forward to rather than a chore that your procrastinate about. You don’t need to spend hours outside to make a difference.
Start with 10 minutes. Chose the best time of day for you. We are all different; do you prefer company (virtual walks or in-person) or hanker
after solitude, absorbing the outdoors around you? Do what is right for you and balances your day/week/life. Go with how you feel you need at that moment. Putting on ‘your oxygen mask first’ can better equip to support others.