"Summertime and the livin' is easy" ....
and it should be the perfect time to spend more time outside, including time for exercise. Over the last few years more and more research has come out about the benefits of being outside and the benefits of exercising outside, and in particular exercising and passing time in green spaces. Spending time outside in green spaces can have a huge impact on our emotional well being, lowering stress levels. This in turn can have a big impact on our physical and mental well being. So when you add that to the benefits we get physically and mentally from exercising it is greatly enhanced. As well as the emotional benefits of being outside at this time of year there is the added benefit of getting some natural vitamin D which gives us a big health boost too.
Make the most of being outside this summer and find ways to get moving - this could be a walk, taking your normal weights routine into the garden, enjoying some yoga outside or if you normally run on a treadmill or use a static bike try taking them onto a trail or the beach. Finding activities to do outside can also be a great way to socialise with others, turning a walk into a family event or meeting up with friends for a bike ride. If you are taking your normal physical activities outside then try to leave the headphones behind. One, it can make activities such as walking or running safer, but also hearing and tuning into the sounds around can enhance your outdoor experience helping you to fully immerse yourself in the natural outside world.
If all you have is 5 minutes then kick off your shoes and stand on the earth for a little while. Take in some slow, full breaths and listen to the sounds around you, pay attention to the colours you can see to make yourself fully present in the moment for a quick relax and reset to freshen up your day.
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