Get Fit! Feel Good ! September's Blog

First lets recap what we talked about in August.  Our Get Fit! Feel Good! August blog was all about becoming stress free. Stress is bad for us mentally and physically- having a lot of stress can cause health problems such as high blood pressure, depression, anxiety and even heart disease. In the August blog we discussed ways to manage the stress in your life which included time management, knowing your stress triggers, exercises, and meditation.

My favorite way to decrease my stress level is by getting some exercise! Depending on my mood I will either go for a run, lift weights or attend a yoga class (this is my new favorite thing to do!).

Try this yoga video for beginners that you can do at home!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7AYKMP6rOE

September's Wellness Goal: Connect with Nature

Most people might not understand why connecting with nature should be a wellness goal. When people think wellness they think fitness or nutrition based information. This is true but if you have read seen any of my 12 months of wellness blogs then you will know wellness is so much more than just talking about fitness and nutrition. According to the University of Minnesota, environments can increase of reduce our stress which in the last blog learned can have an impact on our health status. In recent years there has also been numerous studies done on the negative effects that screen times can have on us. Hours spent in front of the TV, computer or phone is known as "nature deprivation" and has been associated with more depression.

So why is nature so important to good health? Well for one is provides us a chance to get away from our screens, limiting screen time and second it provides a peaceful environment.

From the University of Minnesota here are 4 reasons nature is important to good health:

• Nature heals.  Being able to see the scenic views that nature provides reduces anger, fear and stress while increasing pleasant feelings in individuals.Getting out in nature not only makes individuals feel better it helps your overall physical well being, reducing blood pressure, heat rate, muscle tension and the production of hormones. Some research has even found that having a simple plant in a room can have a significant impact on stress and anxiety.
• Nature soothes. We as humans apparently are programmed to find trees, plants, water and other nature elements engrossing which helps distract us from any pain or discomfort we might be having.  A research was done with patients who underwent gallbladder surgery; half had a view of trees while half had a view of a wall. According to the physician those who had a view of the tree tolerated pain better.
• Nature restores. Mind conducted a study and found that 95% of those individuals who were interviewed said their mood improved after spending time outside.  "Other studies by Ulrich, Kim, and Cervinka show that time in nature or scenes of nature are associated with a positive mood, and psychological well being, meaningfulness, and vitality"
• Nature Connects. According to the studies done by Kuo and Coley, time spent in nature connects us to each other and the larger world.

It is clear that spending time in nature has significant health benefits including decreasing your stress, increasing your energy levels, aiding in the recovering from illness and boosting overall immune system.  So now that we know all the positives associated with being outside and in nature, its time to act on it!

Don't live near the woods? That's okay! Nature is all around us. Nature can be enjoyed in your backyard, down the street at a local park, at the beachHere are some tips and ways that you can connect with nature:

1. If your working all day take short breaks from your desk to go outside and sit on the grass or near a tree.  Especially while the good weather is still hear take advantage of it and enjoy your lunch outside!
2. Inside doing house work? Just like the first tip, get out of the house for a short break!

1. Collect flowers and put them inside in a vase
2. Try essential oils! This one can be extremely helpful in the winter when getting out might not be as realistic.
3. Grab a mat and enjoy some yoga or stretching at a local park or in your back yard.
4. Grab a towel and hit the beach- perfect location to just relax, read a book or nap.
5. Buy some indoor plants or flowers to add greenery to your house.
6. Search your local area for some new trails or walks you can do with friends and families.
7. If you have local mountains search and learn about some easy hikes to do!
8. Try camping!
9. Have a cookout with friend and family and spend your time outside!
10. Plan a picnic

Now that it is September, fall weather will be here before you know it and really what better weather to enjoy nature in! Fall is perfect because of the crisp clean air, sometimes summer is too hot to actually enjoy being outside but fall weather is just the right temperature. If it gets a little chilly then grab one of your favorite cozy sweatshirts.  Not to mention after the fall then winter will be here and we will be stuck inside for the majority of the time, so be outside while you can!

Next Month: Change it up!

12 Months of Wellness

Next Months Wellness Goals:  Recruit a Family Member