How are you approaching this New Year? This new decade? Is it time for a change … small changes, major overhauls, or just a new approach to the path on which you are already committed?
It’s a natural time to reassess, and whilst the days are short, cold and wet, spend the down time thinking of the year – and more – ahead. Traditionally at this time, we think of our health, fitness and lifestyle. Collectively joining gyms that we soon tire of; giving up smoking, drinking, eating meat …. culling that which we’d like to do less of, and how to adjust to include more of what we know is good for us
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Most of us could do more. Move more. Experience more. Step away from the desk, the daily chores, the bills and the distractions and take a great, deep breath. Give yourself time. Andas …. breathe.
We need to add daily new motivations to walk instead of using transport, where we can. Spend time out of doors, amongst nature. A park, a river walk, or even a garden allows you to absorb the scents, sounds, colours and movements of nature, soaking up those fractals into your brain. It is scientifically proven that being outdoors is good for your health. Good for the soul.
These are simple changes we can all make. Eat lunch outside, even under an umbrella if the weather isn’t great. Enjoy the smell of the rain and the sounds, and absorb those rays and D vits when the sun is shining. Our bodies really do need to be outside. We suffer and get sick – physically and mentally – when we lose that connection with nature. If we are to make small shift changes to improve our health and well-being, from this point forwards, it should be a commitment to get outside and get active, but in a way that is pleasurable to you the individual so that you commit to it, it becomes ‘your thing’ and you continue to rack up those rewards long after a well-intentioned gym membership has run out. It only takes 3 weeks for something new to become a habit. By the end of January, you’ll be looking for the next challenge – extending the time spent , or adding in something extra. A new route, a new variation – instead of walking, perhaps hit up a gear and make it a run. If you’re already running, increase the distance. Or get out on a bike instead. Find ways to continue to push and motivate yourself, but importantly keep that outdoor connection. Outdoor yoga? Include some time meditating under a tree? It can be simple and easy on the body, it can be a greater challenge – you decide. But do continue to grow. Where will this new path take you? Involve friends, colleagues, family perhaps. A regular, scheduled-in fixed activity or a free-flowing pastime that works around your work. An active holiday, or short break where you can reward your body and mind with more of the outdoors, living saturated amongst nature where your only choices are which route do you take, what activities to choose today, what food will you be eating outside , be that in the forest, beside a gentle river or wide, still lake …. can you picture it? Doesn’t that just make you relax and feel healthier just thinking about it?
