It might go without saying, but God created us to experience the wonders of His creation, and we do this by getting outside and taking within the magnitude of His beautiful masterpieces. Yet, it will not be surprising to know that an increasing number of people, including children, are spending less time outdoors. According to Outdoor Magazine, “Nearly half of the U.S. population doesn’t take part in any outdoor recreation in any respect, and only 17.9 percent got out a minimum of once every week in 2018.” The article goes on so as to add that, “Children took part in 15 percent fewer outdoor activities in 2018 than they did six years before.”
Friends, this study was done seven years ago, are you able to imagine the statistics now? The bottom line is that while the outcomes are alarming at best and may bring a tinge of concern, there’s something we are able to do about it! The easy solution is that we heed this warning and spend time outdoors, soaking within the wonders of nature, and blissfully experience that many advantages of respiratory in fresh air.
Sounds easy enough, right? Well, not so fast. While we may know the statistics and the harm of repeatedly being indoors (especially if the air quality isn’t great), if we don’t take motion and strive to be intentional by following through and getting outdoors, nothing will change. In other words, your health is as much as you, and you might be the just one who will reap the advantages.
So, whether you’re employed in an office, travel to your vocation, or type at a desk remotely, the reality is that almost all of us spend the vast majority of our time (and days) indoors, completely faraway from nature. Not only that, but now we have been drawn to technology because it has morphed and turned into the eye beast that it’s, demanding our attention, stealing our time, and craving for our respect. Therefore, making it easier to only stay put fairly than look up and take notice of what is correct in front of us.
But, while I’m not one to evangelise on this topic as author, that yes, mainly works indoors, I can attest that after I am confined to my little “distant” office space (a.k.a. kitchen table) and spend days on end without actually “having fun with” nature, my entire body feels it! And, by having fun with nature, I mean greater than merely stepping outside while rushing my children off to highschool or running errands.
So, my fellow believer, let’s dig into this topic slightly more together, and discover the advantages of getting outdoors, respiratory in some good ‘ole fashioned fresh air, and marveling at God’s awe-inspiring creation. Furthermore, let’s really have a look at how we are able to implement the outside into our every day lives and routines in a method to foster healthier lifestyles that honor our temple (Corinthians 6:19-20) and glorify God!
Benefits of Fresh Air on Your Mind
As one which is vulnerable to anxiety, stress, and serious bouts of high cortisol, especially with regards to pushing through a piece enterprise or adding way an excessive amount of on my plate only to suffer mental overload, “mental breaks” not only grow to be needed, but they eventually grow to be mandatory.
Multiple studies (due to Google search) have proven that just stepping outside and taking slow deep breaths can shift our focus, regain our attention, and jump-start our creativity. But let’s be serious, friends, we don’t need to look and scour the web to know this, we are able to feel it. The mental load we place on ourselves, and more regarding the mental load our children face today, is really tremendous. So, next time you are feeling mentally tapped out and completely overloaded and the stress is increase, take a break and step away to infiltrate your mind with fresh air for a fresh perspective.
When we do that, not only does it cause us to get still and quiet (Psalm 46:10), however it also brings a few sense of calm that may trigger positive emotional responses, including joy, as we allow God to fill our thoughts with His truth, love, and beauty. When we surround ourselves with God’s nature, we welcome His soft and subtle presence. How sweet is that?
Three easy ways to enhance your mental state by getting outdoors and respiratory in fresh air:
1. Step away from a project and go outside for a minimum of ten minutes.
2. Put your phone out of view or turn off notifications so you’ll be able to have time to clear your mind without distractions, so you’ll be able to enjoy that quiet time with God.
3. If you might be unable to step outside, get near a window and look outside or take a moment to only stabilize your thoughts with long, deep respiratory. Breathe in for 4, hold for 4, and breathe out for 4 seconds. Do this thrice and feel the stress slowly lift.
Benefits of Fresh Air on Your Body
When we’re crunched up at a desk all day, especially once we are looking down, it puts an enormous amount of pressure on our neck, back, and shoulders that may eventually result in grave consequences. Before too long, you’ll likely be taking a visit to the doctor or chiropractor for anti-inflammatory supplements or a spine adjustment. Sure, these may help within the short term, but what if we took higher care of our physical bodies by tuning into how we physically feel and taking precautions to forestall a few of these alignments?
Now, I do know there are moments when it isn’t one of the best opportunity to step away and take a walk outdoors, or you’ll be able to’t necessarily turn off your phone in case your boss is about to call, but when our bodies are feeling fatigued, we’d like to listen. Pausing, even when for a moment, and stepping outside to soak in slightly vitamin D can rejuvenate your body by lowering your blood pressure and heart rate and may even ease muscle tension. According to my chiropractor, movement can also be extremely essential. When we move, we strengthen our immune system and forestall (or keep at bay) many chronic illnesses akin to heart and lung disease or diabetes.
Three easy ways to enhance your physical state by getting outdoors:
1. Instill a morning and evening routine that may allow your body to receive sunlight very first thing within the morning and create a peaceful evening to foster a consistent circadian rhythm, allowing your body to completely function throughout the day and recharge at night.
2. Check the posture and position at your desk to make certain you aren’t adding undue pressure in your back, spine, or neck. There are many work chairs that provide special cushions or are specifically made for back support. They could also be price looking into in the event you are affected by chronic pain.
3. Take a stroll, walk, or jog after work to decompress and convey movement into your day.
Benefits of Fresh Air on Your Soul
God provides us with such a precious gift once we meet Him outdoors. When we take the time to really sit in awe of what He has created for us, we start to see His character revealed through all the pieces He has made. Just taking a number of moments outdoors and shifting our gaze on the trees, listening to the birds, or marveling on the mountains, hills, or grassy knoll that spreads before us invites God to point out us that He created us in such a novel way, and desires us to seek out peace and rest, in Him (Psalm 4:8).
While this may occasionally prove difficult in the event you work in an office where patches of grass are altogether absent and trees could also be sparse, as a substitute try opening a window for fresh air or get a humidifier or air purifier if the office is stuffy, also, hunt down a close-by park and take your lunch outside, allowing God to satisfy you where you might be and rejuvenate your soul. Friend, once we make time to get outside or attempt to bring the outside in, we get to experience our od’s divine power, allowing Him to grant us sufficient peace throughout our day (Romans 1:20).
Three easy ways to feed your soul with fresh air:
1. Soak in God’s Word or take your prayer life outdoors.
2. Sit in awe of God’s handiwork and marvel at the eye to detail He gives in all His creation during your lunch break.
3. Whether you sit by a window and breathe in the outside or carve out time to take a brisk walk outside, allow that sweet time to be a time to reflect and provides God your thanks and praise for His many blessings.
They speak of the fantastic splendor of your majesty—and I’ll meditate in your wonderful works. Psalm 145:5
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Lilly Roadstones
