Are you feeling a little down in the dumps lately? Sometimes winter time can do that to a person. They say that cities that get a lot of cloudy days or rain are much higher in the depression realm. The weather can really affect you. Interestingly enough, the weather affects you most when you stay inside, away from it. Being outside does wonders for your mind and body and general overview of life. So, strap on your waterproof walking shoes and get out there. Here are a few things to motivate you to get out of the stuffiness of your house and experience the great outdoors, no matter the weather.
It can lower depression rates.
When you are going through a period of depression, it’s impossible to think to think that putting on a pair of comfortable walking boots and actually leaving the house will make you feel better at all. When you are depressed, all you want to do is stay inside, preferably in bed. However, studies have shown a link between improved mental health and nature walks. If you dread going outside, start with a short walk. It doesn’t have to be anything intense. You don’t need your heavy duty waterproof walking shoes. Just throw on some sneakers of any kind and head out for 15 or 20 minutes. Do a couple of laps, get your heart pumping and get some fresh air. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel.
It can improve your outlook on life.
Being outside can give you a new perspective. This is especially true if you go for a walk somewhere that has an area where you can get a good view from higher up. It reminds you that there is a whole world out there and that your problems are so small in the grand scheme of things. It can act as a reminder that your problems are not going to last forever and one day you will overcome and get past them. Being outside could give you the determination and motivation to reenter your life with a fresh start.
It can help to enhance your concentration levels.
Being outside can actually improve your focus. The reason for this is that your brain needs a break just like the rest of your body needs sometimes. Being able to get away for a few days and not think about work and all the pressures of your regular life can refresh and rejuvenate your mind so much so that it begins to be more creative and thoughtful. If you work in a position where you need to be coming up with new ideas, the best thing you can do for yourself is to go outside and give your brain a break.
It can work to strengthen your immune system.
While wearing waterproof walking shoes and trudging up a mountain might not feel great while you are doing it, there have been links found to spending time outdoors and an increase with white blood cells. White blood cells are known as virus and tumor fighting cells. After women spent just six hours outdoors, the white blood cell count increase lasted for almost an entire week after that. That means if you can spend a day outside once a week then you will have a boost in your immune system and mood for at least a week afterward.
Putting on waterproof walking shoes to go dance in the rain sounds like the least fun thing to do while you are standing inside looking at the weather but the truth is, it is the best thing for you. Take your kids and go jump in some puddles or go for a jog with a friend. The feeling that you will get when it is all done is indescribable. You may regret not going but you will never regret going, if that makes sense. Just try it. Go outside for 15 minutes a day even if it is just to sit there and take in your surroundings. Do that for a week and just see how much better you feel when that week is over. You will never know if you don’t try it out for a little while.