Why You Need To Get Outside Before Summer's Over
Summer is often a time for serious play, time off and deep relaxation. Well, it should be. Time off from school was meant to rebuild our reserves for the rest of the busy year. Because our lives have evolved to be so busy, we can lose sight of the benefits of slowing down and taking time to rest. Now that summer is in full swing, I encourage you to take time to reconnect your body through movement and relaxation.
Think for a moment of what type of movement you would consider fun as opposed to torturous. Perhaps you loathe the idea of a gym, but miss taking dance classes. Maybe you secretly want to try yoga or rollerblading (but you're afraid
"Grocery shop, stop at the bank, hit the gym, go to the meeting..." It seems like something we start doing more of depending on our moods or the time of year for a lot of people. But what if you shifted your perspective away from making your physical activity something you have to do and instead, thought of it as something you get to do.
Our bodies were really meant for movement. So why is it, that even though we feel better when we have regular exercise in our lives, we seem to dread the idea of getting "back on the wagon" when we don't do it for a while? I think it's because we've built up the idea of exercise into another task on our to-do lists instead of a way of life. because: #newthings). You could play football with your kids, walk with a neighbor in the mornings or go for a swim. The summer offers so many choices – it’s simply up to you to choose which style of movement excites you. Your heart will thank you, your soul will be gratified, your limbs will be more fluid and you’ll sleep better at night. Talk about a win-win for everybody.
Summer is a unique time of year when we can relax and re-energize with movement while being outside. You can take a nap outside, enjoy the smell of freshly cut grass. Go to the park and meditate or read under a tree. One of the greatest places to rest in the summertime is by the water. There is something magical healing in water, and we naturally crave to be near it, by it or in it. Heading to the water, whether it is the beach, a lake or even a kiddy pool, is a great way to relax and spend time alone or with others.
Notice that being outside in nature has a profound way of quieting the mind and reconnecting us to ourselves. Turning off our busy brains, (putting away our screens), and getting your body moving is something our bodies crave. Do what you can to enjoy it and get your body stretching, walking, jogging, biking or swimming this season!