Go!
Life can be hard; it can seem dark as if there is no way out. We may feel trapped by our situation or own thoughts, feeling hopeless. Using the “Get Outdoors!”, GO! Acronym can help remind you to do something to help your mood and increase giving oxygen to your brain. Studies have shown that even spending 20 minutes a day outside can help reduce stress and increase serotonin levels in your brain and body.
Here are some benefits of being outdoors:
Reduce feelings of stress
Allow your body to move
Improves mood
Give you time to focus on your breathing
Allows you to become more active
Decreases anxiety
Just going outside and looking at nature can help bring more peace and calmness into one’s life. Especially in today’s world where technology and screen time have a large amount of power over us, it is crucial to allow our mind, body, and brain to feel the fresh air and take a moment to go outside.
Here are some ways to enjoy the outdoors if you do not have much time:
5 minutes: stand outside with your eyes closed and your shoes off. Allow yourself to feel the surface under your feet and focus on your breath. It is important to allow yourself to use all 5 of your senses when outside which will help the brain relax from other situations in your life it has been distracted by. Focus on the smells, noises, feelings around you.
20 minutes: begin to walk around wherever you are and focus on your breathing will out. If unable to walk around due to other circumstances, find a place to sit and even eat a snack or read a book.
*If the weather isn’t permitting you to go outside, find a window to sit by and watch the scenery outside. Closely look at how nature is reacting to the weather, and also continue to focus on your breathing.
Other fun ideas to do outside.
Plan a picnic outside.
Go on a hike
Meet up with a friend to go on a walk with
Try a new outdoor sport
Listen to your favorite podcast on a walk
Plant a garden or a plant in your backyard or patio
Take your pet for a walk or if you have a dog find an outdoor dog park
Drive in your car with the windows rolled down listening to your favorite song.
Looking for more guidance?
Work with a therapist who can help you figure out ways to stay grounded.