Time to Get Outside!

       With pollen season winding down (and before it really heats up...) there are no excuses left, get outside happily and often! In April's issue of Shape magazine there is an article on Your body on nature. Referencing various studies, here is what happens to you body after being outside for...

 ~ FIVE minutes ~ If you are exercising then your mood & self esteem begin to RISE. The best five minutes you will spend each day!

~ TEN minutes ~ Your focus improves. Great reason to take an occasional break from work or a task & breathe some fresh air!

~ TWENTY minutes ~ Your energy & vitality levels SKYROCKET.         It takes twenty minutes to walk a leisurely mile. You could accomplish quite a bit of garden weeding/deadheading or better yet finally enjoy that Adirondack chair or garden bench you see from your window but never take the time to sit in!

~ THIRTY minutes ~ Blood pressure falls, happiness increases, any symptoms of depression begin to dissipate. My Dad always found his bliss once the weather warmed, to sit outside in his favorite chair after dinner and soak in the comings & goings of the neighborhood & I'm sure for all these subconscious reasons too!

~ NINETY minutes ~ Blood flow to your subgenual prefrontal cortex (the negative thoughts part of the brain) is reduced. We could all use less of these, right?!

~ THREE DAYS ~ The body's natural killer cells, critical to the immune system, become stronger. Alright, you know someone with a tent, right? A great reason to go camping or glamping for sure. Plan a long weekend trip with friends & don't forget the smores! Feel the body heal from the inside out!

    With sooooo many choices for outdoor activities or just deep belly-breath breathing in your favorite chair or hammock perhaps, there are no excuses left to stay cooped up anymore. We always knew this warming of the seasons is good for the soul & now there is proof that's it's so good for your health!