Getting back to your roots
Did you take advantage of your one hour of daily exercise outdoors throughout the coronavirus lockdown? If so what difference did being outdoors make to your wellbeing? Spending time outside has been proven to have significant and wide ranging health benefits. Exposure to nature and green space reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovasucular disease and can reduce stress levels and high blood pressure.
I came to cherish my dawn walks each morning. As the rest of the town were turning over for another 40 winks I was out pounding the pavements and taking trails into woods I had never been in before. Normally I would stick to known routes, but throughout lockdown I became brave and ventured off road. The Wildlife Trust’s 30 Days Wild challenge in June prompted me to seek out nature and wildlife.
I knew from my research into mindful walking that trees emit an antimicrobial compound called “phytoncides” that help protect them from fungi, bacteria and insects. When we are outdoors we breathe in phytoncides and this has a relaxing effect on our body. This is why you always, always feel better after being out for a walk irrespective of the weather!
Some novel ways to get more of your time outdoors:
Mindful colour walks - this is where you pick a colour and look out for it on your walk. I like to take photos of what I spot and put together a collage (see the events page for a few examples or search #MindfulColourWalk). This brings mindfulness to your walk without being too zen!
Earthing - this is where you take your shoes and socks off and walk barefoot on either soil, grass or sand in order to allow electrons to move freely between your body and the earth. In Pranic Healing it is well known that the earth is like a big battery with a subtle electric charge and everything in the world is grounded to her. Connecting to the earth will boost your energy supply.
Foraging - this is where you identify and gather edible and medicinal plants and fungi. Botanist, Diana Beresford-Kroeger, learnt the ancient laws of Ireland called the Brehon Law which teaches about the healing power of plants to create remedies. Now is the perfect time of year to go blackberry picking. There is no better feeling than eating something straight from the ground or bush or tree.
Forest Bathing - this is the combination of mindfulness techniques and the therapeutic energy of the forest that can leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. In Japan its called “Shinrin-Yoku” and is a cornerstone to Japanese healthcare. I am looking forward to planning a few guided walks around Berkshire and Surrey this autumn. Keep an eye on the events page of the website for details on how to book.
Sleeping under the stars - We had lots of comets and satellites passing overhead this summer. I ventured into the garden with my blanket but did not spend all night outdoors. Studies have found that sleeping under the stars has many health benefits, improving both short and long term wellbeing. So dig that sleeping bag out of the attic, find the nearest park or backyard, and borrow, beg or steal a tent.
Wild swimming - any time I see pictures of people going for a dip in the sea, a lake or a river I am envious. The cold water is meant to give you a natural high, activating feel good hormones and endorphins. It has also been proven to improve circulation and your immune system.
We are living beings and part of the natural world. The deep pull towards nature is a throw back to Neanderthal man who roamed the earth as far back as 140,000 years ago. Allow yourself some time to be in the natural world.