5 Things That Happen When You Get Outside…
Are you looking to recharge, solve a problem, or make your menopause more manageable? Go outside. It doesn’t mean you need to spend hours outdoors; sometimes, it happens with your first breath.
Studies show that when you spend too much time indoors, you miss out on optimal physical and mental health opportunities that are drug and copay free. If you’re trying to enhance your HRT treatment, or avoid it all together, nature is key.
Today, forget your to-do list for a half hour and experience the elements of Mother Nature. You can bet your comfy yoga pants with pockets you’ll be happy you did, and here’s what to expect:
You breathe better
This is why you should open your windows. Even with pollution, the air we breathe inside is two to five times worse. In addition, the more greenery in your neighborhood, the fewer perimenopausal babes are likely to die of respiratory diseases.
If there’s a shortage of plants and trees in your area, bring them into your home with a Peace Lily, Golden Pothos, Aloe Vera, Spider Plant, or a Boston Fern.
Improves your sleep
Sleep deprivation is at the top of the list of complaints during perimenopause and can be the most challenging to figure out. Your body gets confused when you should sleep because of constant exposure to artificial lights. Sunlight keeps your circadian rhythm, well in rhythm. There’s only one way to get sunlight.
An easy way to balance your circadian rhythm with nature is to go outside for at least ten minutes when you wake up, assuming it’s after sunrise. This tells your body to get going. Do the same mid-afternoon, which is much better for your body than that afternoon latte.
Reduces depression
I’m part of a FB group for those that struggle with menopausal symptoms. I read a post about depression that created 72 responses in less than an hour where experiences were shared, and many were heartbreaking.
Medication can support your depression, but a good doctor will encourage you to include nature in your day. A walk in the park, watching the birds, or exploring a forest will lift you up like nothing else.
You are more likely to exercise
Lacking the motivation to exercise is common during the transition. When you go outside, your body gets a recharge that may motivate you to carry light weights while picking up the pace. Walking is a weight-bearing exercise that is easy to do and helps your lower body support you for decades to come.
Exercise doesn’t have to be participating in The Muddy Princess, even though women of all ages do. Gardening is a great workout, and guess what? You are in nature again.
Boosts your immune system
When you get outside, you’re no longer in your home that may be sterilized with chemicals. Outside, you get small doses of germs, such as allergens, that help you create immunity. When you were little, your parents sent you out to eat dirt, figurately and literally. There’re are health benefits to letting you make mud pies.
Being outside also lowers your blood pressure and pulse rate, especially if you leave the phone behind. If you continue to add exercise on your outings, you improve your heart and lung efficiency, not to mention create strong legs. Many doctor’s offices have posters encouraging patients to get in nature.
Small things you can do to get close to nature.
Go outside with your first cup of coffee. Check the weather or just be present.
Water your indoor plants. Thank them for producing the clean oxygen you need.
Lunchtime walk. If you have a crazy boss, this is a win in every way.
Purposefully use your senses. Smell a flower, feel the air on your skin, and hug a tree!
Seek the rain. It may ruin your hair, but it creates an internal cleansing you can get only from running water.
Enjoy the sunrise or sunset. Make it a daily practice. You don’t have many in your lifetime.
Star gaze. It may be nighttime, but Mother Nature never sleeps.
If you are looking for accountability and motivation, get your free Time in Nature Wellness Workbook. In this guide you will assess where you’re at and plan where you want to be, in small increments so your new goals are sustainable.
Don’t forget to like this post, of course only if you did. Leave a comment and share how you sneak nature time in your day. If you really like Fabulous at Forty & Beyond sign up to get email notifications when a new post magically appears.
Wait, there’s more! Make sure you get your copy of Embrace Menopause: 5 Key Actions for Optimal Well-being. It’s your roadmap to reclaiming control and embracing every moment of your menopausal transition.
This invaluable resource will transform your transition from uncertainty to empowerment, starting today and lasting far into the future. Get your guide today.
