We need to get out more!
I know I always bang on about how much I love being in the great outdoors, but after two months of lockdown I've realised just how important nature is for mental health and wellbeing. Being able to go for a walk or run in the forest has become the highlight of my day and allows me to fully switch off from work.
Given that many of us work from home all day, it means that we don't have the option of leaving work at the office or doing an active commute. Setting work/life boundaries is always important, as is giving yourself permission to take an hour out of the day to do something beneficial for your mental health. According to studies, just looking at green space for 40 seconds gives us the ability to perform better and be more productive. Being outside and away from our devices for as little as 25 minutes is also said to improve brain function and make us feel more focused and alert.
Even if you live in a busy city or are tempted to bust out a quick 5k between meetings on your home treadmill, consider taking half an hour to go outside for a mindful wander or run in your local green space. Put your phone on airplane mode so that you can't be distracted and leave the headphones on charge at home. Take in the sounds of the birds chirping, breathe in the smell of the rain on the pavement and allow your eyes to focus on the trees and clouds in the distance.
Use this time to reflect on the positive things in your day and be grateful for this opportunity to breathe in fresh air. Focus on softening your muscles, unclenching your jaw and relaxxx. After all, our mental health is equally as important as our physical health.
Given that many of us work from home all day, it means that we don't have the option of leaving work at the office or doing an active commute. Setting work/life boundaries is always important, as is giving yourself permission to take an hour out of the day to do something beneficial for your mental health. According to studies, just looking at green space for 40 seconds gives us the ability to perform better and be more productive. Being outside and away from our devices for as little as 25 minutes is also said to improve brain function and make us feel more focused and alert.
Even if you live in a busy city or are tempted to bust out a quick 5k between meetings on your home treadmill, consider taking half an hour to go outside for a mindful wander or run in your local green space. Put your phone on airplane mode so that you can't be distracted and leave the headphones on charge at home. Take in the sounds of the birds chirping, breathe in the smell of the rain on the pavement and allow your eyes to focus on the trees and clouds in the distance.
Use this time to reflect on the positive things in your day and be grateful for this opportunity to breathe in fresh air. Focus on softening your muscles, unclenching your jaw and relaxxx. After all, our mental health is equally as important as our physical health.