One of the best medicines for the human soul is being outside. Research shows that those who spend time outside are less likely to experience depression and anxiety. Being outside gets us out of our heads and aware of the world around us. We become mindful of our surroundings. Mindfulness brings peace into our lives rather than turmoil. When outside, we can engage in our sense to increase mindfulness such as feeling the breeze or hearing the birds.
Unfortunately, when we are feeling down, one of the last things we want to do is leave the house. Depression and anxiety cause us to hibernate and create a whole world around us with one occupant – you. Even though this seems like the best thing to do at the time, it is in fact the worst thing one can do. Isolation and being indoors prolongs our down mood. When you experience depression and anxiety, the best thing you can do is the opposite of what you feel like doing. If you feel like staying inside, don’t do it. Get out there even when you do not want to. See if it helps. I know that it will.
I would like to challenge you to make this change. The next time you are wanting to hibernate from the world, make the right choice and go outside. You will not regret it.
I have been making extra efforts to be outside to improve not only my mood but the mood of those around me. Lately my children and I have been going to Forsyth on Sunday afternoons. There is no way for me to feel down while experiencing the sunshine on my skin and listening to the giggles of children around me playing at the park. I see people playing in the grass and resting in the shade. This makes me aware of my surroundings and less aware of myself. We live in an amazingly beautiful city. Get out there and enjoy it! I plan to see you out there.
After you take this advice, we would love to hear from you. Please post your stories on our Facebook page or shoot me an email at [email protected]. You will inspire others to make a change in their lives too.