You may have noticed that the mornings are getting a little brighter and the days longer, the signs of spring are popping up around us! The daffodil shoots are emerging and birds are nesting, and i would urge you all to enjoy the health benefits of the great outdoors.
I personally love all these little nods from nature to let us know that sunnier days are on the horizon. I know we aren’t out of winter yet, but noticing these small signals brings me so much joy.
Spending time in nature provides so many health benefits for the mind, body and soul in a multitude of ways. So, today I’m here to encourage you to head out into the garden, venture to the beach or ramble through some fields.
Studies have shown that being outside enjoying the great outdoors can increase feelings of calmness, increase concentration, reduce depression symptoms, lower blood pressure and boost happiness! If those health benefits are not enough of a reason to get out there, I don’t know what is.
Let’s be clear, I’m not suggesting that we all take up surfing or rock climbing, but I’m merely pointing out that just two hours a week in nature (even over several visits) can have a significant positive impact on our health and wellbeing. So let the sunlight warm your face, the wind blow away the cobwebs, or the rain wash away the stresses of the week.
I’ve written numerous blogs before about how stress affects the body and we all know it is not usually in a good way. Nature is a free tool we can use to combat those stress levels, lower cortisol/stress hormones, thus helping our bodies to function – that’s what we at Reflex Spinal Health are all about!
I’m lucky enough to have two horses which forces me to get out of bed at 6am every morning to spend three hours in nature – mostly picking up large piles of poo! Let’s be honest, some days I’m tired or not in the mood, but as soon as I am out there the weight of the world is lifted from my shoulders and I can listen to the morning bird song, inhale the smell of dewy grass, and observe some spectacular sun rises. I have never not felt better for it.
So, think about what it is you could do outdoors. Could you take an outdoor lunch break and eat on a park bench, soaking up nature? Will you take the longer route with your dog through the woods? Are you going to take the kids to the park? Maybe gardening might be your happy place? (Be sure to read my upcoming blog on how to do so safely). Whatever it is you’re doing make sure you are PRESENT, observe your surroundings, take in the sights, smells, sounds and fully immerse yourself in the everyday beauty that we are usually too busy to appreciate. Enjoy those health benefits of the great outdoors!
From our perspective as your Reading chiropractors, osteopaths and massage therapists, we know that lowering your stress levels will make a significant impact on your body’s ability to heal; and how much sooner you may see improvements within your body if stress is addressed in conjunction with the care you receive from us.
17 Church Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire RG4 7AA
Reflex Spinal Health are a passionate, dynamic spinal health team. We are committed to help as many in our community of Reading, Berkshire and South Oxfordshire to enjoy the vitality of great health, to reach their health goals and feel truly alive! Our chiropractors and osteopaths offer the highest standards of care in a superb environment.