Movement and the Pandemic: Go Outside
During the pandemic many individuals and families are spending more time inside their own homes. This can be a great way to connect with the people you are living with, but can also lead to feelings of isolation, laziness, being stuck or an overall disconnection from the world around you and from yourself. We get set in our daily patterns and can become complacent in what is easy. When a lot of things are closed in the community, we may think, “why not stay inside and repeat those daily patterns we are so accustomed to?” Nothing is wrong with finding comfort in routine, but when we get too comfortable, we lose our motivation, and struggle to find purpose and make meaning in our lives.
Spending time outside in nature is very healing and can actually help us feel more connected and in control of our mind and body. Winter is upon us, and as temperatures drop we are inclined to spend even more time inside. I challenge you to try and get outside every day even if it is for a minute to simply take a breath and feel the cool air on your face. Tap into your senses and pay attention to what you see, what you hear, what you smell, and what you can touch. If you have a little more time, try taking an appreciation nature walk alone or with family members, where each person pays close attention to their surroundings.
Getting your body moving through a deep breath or nature walk is an important way to reconnect with yourself and escape the every day monotony. Movement and exercise reinvigorate your mind and body. They help relieve stress, boost your mood and improve both physical and mental health. The best part is that everyone has access to this resource. All you need is yourself and a willingness to try something different.
Get moving and go outside. Listen to your body, tap into your 5 senses and follow the instructions below.
Pay attention to what you see. Notice the shapes of leaves, the color of the sky, and the architecture of buildings around you for example.
Pay attention to what you hear. Can you hear the wind or leaves rustling? Maybe you can identify some animal sounds. Identify these sounds and notice if the sounds change as you walk.
Pay attention to what you smell. Can you smell any plants or aromas of food? Maybe you notice a particular scent connected to the weather like rain or snow.
Pay attention to what you can touch. Try touching the bark of an interesting tree. What does the air feel like on your hands and your face?
Pay attention to what you can taste. Is there anything you can taste along your walk? Maybe you have some water or snacks with you. If not, imagine the food or beverage you wish you could have with you. Conjure up the taste in your mouth.
See if you can point out something new on your walk that you have never seen, heard, smelled, or touched before, even if you have been on this route 100 times.
As you walk, find at least three things that bring you joy and identify them. You can bring them in the house, take a picture, or just make a mental note.
I believe that in the midst of so much stress, complacency, and disconnection, it is important to get our bodies moving and find appreciation for the world around us. It can be as simple as taking an extra moment to notice an interesting rock on the ground, paying attention to an animal sound, or identifying something in nature that brings you joy.