Ever have one of those days? You know, one of those days where you forget to pick the kids up, forget to pay some bills, leave your notes for the meeting at home or spill your coffee all over your favorite shirt?
With work, family, friends, volunteering, etc...we all go a million miles a day trying to get by, to survive and to check off everything that needs to be done on that pesky to-do list. And where does that leave us? Exhausted, worn down, stressed and grouchy to anyone and everyone we come into contact with.
You think so what? You think it’s a matter of fact and simply how the world works. Do ideas and projects get done by sitting around? Absolutely not. But do we really think that’s what life is about?
We need balance. We have to work to pay our bills, to buy our “stuff”, but we need to take time to disconnect, take a break from our work and daily lives. What if I told you that your time away from the desk would not only lead to a happier, healthier life but it would also improve your ability to get work done.
A recent study by Science Daily revealed “that exposure to greenspace reduces the risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, stress, and high blood pressure.” And you think great, but what about mental health. Well, Stanford researchers also found that just walking in spending 90 minutes outside showed a lessened activity in the brain for depression.
There is increasing evidence that demonstrates the many benefits of nature on psychological and physical well-being. Including: reduced stress, greater physical health, more creativity and improved concentration.
It doesn’t matter how you get out you could go camping in the back of your truck, backpack with old raggedy packs, or simply just take a walk around your favorite park. At the end of the day all that matters is getting out. With places like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Arches, Zion National Park, Crater Lake and even one of our local favorites Faria Beach just a short trip away what are you waiting for. It doesn’t matter how you do it, where you do it, or even for how long but simply making a priority to get out and breathe could improve your headspace more drastically than you could have imagined.