We spend way too much time indoors. Get outside; leave the smartphone in your pocket. Notice what’s going on around you.
We’re always connected. Connected to our phones, our thoughts, co-workers, loved ones. We rarely disconnect.
Remember when you were in areas that you couldn’t get cell phone coverage? Hard to find those places these days.
Even in campgrounds, some have WiFi. Talk about “roughing it.”
When was the last time you took a walk outside, with the intention to go for a walk? Not walking to get to a destination, but simply for a walk?
For some, it may be years since you did that type of exercise.
Our minds are cluttered with thoughts/worries/concerns. We rarely sit in silence, or get outside and listen to the sounds that are around us.
Even in the concrete jungles of our cities, you can calm yourself by simply listening to the sounds of the city.
Getting out into nature is crucial for taking a detox from our digital lives.
20 minutes a day in nature can reduce cortisol, aka the stress hormone.
Here’s some homework for you. Tomorrow I want you to go for a walk. Walk for 10 minutes. 5 minutes and then turn around and head back. If you go longer, I won’t grade your mark lower for that ;).
Start doing this 3 times per week. If you want to drive to a nearby park and then walk around the park, go for it. Do it during daylight hours (and as always be aware of your surroundings, don’t be foolish!)
Notice what you hear and what you see. I’ll give you a pass if you want to take pictures of some nature scenes. But don’t post them immediately to Instagram. It can wait.
Let me know what you experience after adding walks to your routine!