Spend More Time Outdoors And In Nature

This post is part of a series that makes up my Simple Guide To Health which is part of a broader collection of posts on Living Well.

To our bodies the modern world must seem like a very strange place:

• buildings hide the views that give us a sense of security
• a constant mix of disturbing and insidious noise everywhere we go
• artificial lights that don’t provide the full spectrum of sunlight or follow the normal daily light/dark cycle
• air pollution and off-gassing foams, plastics and adhesives in every room and car
• electronic distractions in our pockets, bags and every room

to our bodies then the world must be a scary, smelly, noisy, distracting place.  Some of that strangeness must seep through into our minds as well.  I know it happens to me, if I spend too long away from nature, or even from a crisp morning or evening walk around town I start to feel trapped.  But if I stand at the top of a hill, or on the beach with an unobstructed view and breath deeply of the fresh air I feel free and alive in a way I never do in a building.

Regardless of whether we do it for exercise I feel that it’s key to get outside, to get a bit closer to nature.  Throw open the windows, park the car up at a view point – open the doors and breathe, walk around the garden early in the morning and late at night, look at the stars.  Of course if you can go for a walk in the woods, cycle the country roads, walk along the beach or hike the hills all the better.

The photo today is Cleveleys prom where I went walking yesterday lunchtime, after an early morning swim and stroll through St Annes’ promenade gardens