Stepping Outside

Now more than ever I find myself spending more and more time inside. Somedays, I sit down at my work space and time seems to slip away and suddenly it is 5 o’clock. At that point I realize I have yet to step outside. Does that sound like you?

During this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, we find ourselves increasing the amount of time we spend inside, alone, and staring at some form of a screen. Our eyes have become heavy from blue light exposure and our bodies remain fatigued from long sedentary periods. Our bodies are sending us a signal that they are in need of a change. What might that change be?

The simple answer is the outdoors. Incorporating more vitamin D and movement into our lives has never been so important. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors has endless benefits such as an increase in overall well-being, an increase in positive affect and a reduction in anxiety/stress.

How much time do I have to spend outside to make a difference? Even a small amount of time spent outdoors can be beneficial for your mental health. Going for a walk around the block, even if it is for five minutes, can be ameliorative. One idea is to take your work outside for part of the day (if it is not too hot). Whether it is five minutes or an hour, go make time to step outside and breathe in that fresh air.

Authored by: Lanie Herndon, Intern

#mentalhealth #outdoors #anxiety #movement