Between the commute, the office, dinner, TV, exercise and bed how much time do we actually spend outdoors? Whether you live in the most populated city or in the middle of the country you should always aim to spend at least 30 minutes a day outside in fresh air. Ideally surrounded by nature. A park or the beach or even in your garden.
I know the weather might play a factor in how long you spend outdoors but once you have a good coat and a good pair of shoes no weather should stop you. It's so invigorating and refreshing to be outside and breathing fresh, clean air.
Here are some benefits of fresh air:
- Fresh air is good for digestion.
- Improves your blood pressure and heart rate.
- It makes you happier.
- Strengthens your immune system.
- Fresh air cleans your lungs.
- You will have more energy and sharper mind.
- Improves your sleep quality.
You must remember that feeling as a kid when you spent all day playing outside. You came in, ate your dinner and had the best, most satisfied sleep. Refreshed and ready to do it all again tomorrow! Wouldn't you love to have that feeling again?
Here are some tips to spend more time outside, no matter the weather, no matter your location.
- Go for a walk. It really is that simple. Do you really need to watch that re run of the Kardashians? Seriously will that improve your life?
- Park further away from the entrance. Whether it's in work, the supermarket or a friend's house, park as far away as you can and enjoy a leisurely stroll to the door.
- Eat outdoors. When weather permits, eat outdoors. You don't have to have lots of room or fancy garden furniture. Just a mat/blanket, some cushions and tasty, healthy food.
- Exercise outside. Be it a run, a cycle or even some body-weight exercises in your garden. It will leave you feeling exhilarated! There are lots of local boot camps running that are based outside and even some outdoor yoga classes. For those in Cork check out Himalaya Yoga Valley's Yoga in the Park.
- Take meaningful breaths. It sounds silly but how many times a day do you actually stop, take a deep inhale and exhale where you are consciously aware of your breath? So even if you can only spend a short amount of time outdoors make it your priority to really focus on the quality of your breath. Maximize the time you do have, get that fresh air deep into your lungs.
- Play with the kids outdoors. Take them to the park, the swings and slides, the river or lake. Play with them in the back garden or a green. I remember countless hours playing with a dish of water and some different size containers as a kid. You don't need to spend a fortune to entertain them. Not only is it good for you and them I bet they sleep better that night too!
- Go for a Picnic. If the weather permits then plan a picnic. What a lovely way for the whole family to relax and eat some lovely food. Check out this lovely picnic with friends I had last year. (Shout out to my friend Peter who makes THE best Cosmos!)
- Go to the sea. If you are fortunate enough to live near the ocean try and get there as many times as you can. The salt air is so good for banishing any negative energy and blowing away the cobwebs. Take a dip if you are feeling brave enough. Cold water never hurt anyone. Hey we even went for a swim in Dingle Bay on the 29th December on the morning of our wedding!
It really is that simple this week guys. Summer is not over yet! So get out there and throw your head back, open your lungs and get some lovely fresh air into you!
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