The benefits of being outdoors

Today is designed to support you both knowing the science bit of why being outdoors is beneficial for us and to create an outdoor experience for you. I have found that by experiencing the benefits and consciously recognising them, I’m motivated to keep doing it.

Lesley

Have a read

There are a growing number of articles and research in this field, this one covers most trains of thought and is an easy read.

Article: https://coachingoutdoors.com/articlesprivate/magic-of-time-in-nature

True story

Here’s a lovely experience my colleague Caroline Hampson had on one of her walks;

“I woke up feeling a tad grumpy with the world but watching mummy duck so proudly leading her 10 little ducklings through the park brought a massive smile to my face. Nature has an amazing power to soothe.”

Go for a walk

Pick a place you like and a time of day that suits, leave your screen and get walking. Spend 30 minutes in nature.

So what’s the objective of this walk? It's all about bringing your attention to how you feel before the walk, during and after, and noticing what you notice. The most important thing is not to over-think it too much, just go and enjoy, your sub-conscious will keep record of all you need to know for your journal later.

Journal

No one else is going to read this but you. You can make lists, draw mind maps, write poetically, use colours or a free hotel pen, do a brain dump, sketch. Whatever works for you.

How were you feeling before the walk? What were you aware of? What did you notice?
What was your experience of the walk? What were you drawn to? How did you feel?
How did you feel on your return?