Are you in a funk? Feeling agitated by a personal issue or world events? Or maybe, just a little out of sorts? What happens in our mind affects our overall well-being in emotional, physical, mental and spiritual ways.
by Dr. Karissa Walton, Founder & Medical Director, The Mobile Health Doc
Our emotions are powerful and need to be acknowledged, validated and sorted through with a friend or licensed healthcare practitioner at times.
Getting outdoors in the beauty of creation can have a major impact on resetting our mental outlook. The term “green exercise,” which refers to engaging in physical activity while exposed to nature, has been studied for almost 20 years. Numerous scientific studies reveal that being outside increases mood and brain function while decreasing the amount of time one spends on the negative aspects of their lives.
Green exercise can improve positive engagement, self-esteem and decrease negative feelings of anger and depression. Studies have shown that the first 5 minutes of green exercise has the greatest impact on mood and self-esteem.
This means that something as simple as getting out for a quick walk around the neighborhood with a friend, either the human and/or furry kind, can give a whole new perspective to what has been swirling around in your mind.
Fortunately, we live in an incredibly beautiful area and climate that affords us the opportunity to engage in an abundance of outdoor activities.
The fresh scent of pine trees while on a hike can bring a refreshing bout of gratitude that will help restore the soul. Kayaking on one of our beautiful lakes and exploring the nooks and crannies of a hidden area can inspire a wealth of thankfulness, not to mention seeing intriguing wildlife. Bike riding at a good cardio pace can clear the cobwebs of confusion to a problem and even provide new action items or solutions to tackle the issue.
The best time to start is now. You’ll be amazed to see how your body and overall health benefits from the sights and smells of the great outdoors!
Disclaimer: If you have any underlying medical conditions, please consult a physician before engaging in strenuous physical activity.