There’s something about stepping outside that just makes everything feel a little bit lighter. Whether it’s a deep breath of crisp morning air, the warmth of the sun on your skin, or the soothing sound of birdsong, being outdoors has a way of shifting your mood and energy – often without you even realising it.
Spending time outside isn’t about grand adventures or hiking up mountains (not really a thing in Suffolk is it?!) It’s about simple, everyday moments that can gently bring us back to ourselves. This month I’m going to explore how getting outside can help your health, wellbeing, and nourish you emotionally, and how to make it easy to do!
Why Does Getting Outside Feel So Good?
- It Clears Your Mind
Being indoors, especially if we spend a lot of times in front of screens, can leave us feeling foggy, sluggish, and overstimulated. Stepping outside, even for a few minutes, can act like a reset button for your brain. Fresh air and natural light help your mind feel clearer and more focused. - It Lifts Your Mood
Ever noticed how a short walk can make a bad day feel a little less heavy? That’s because being outside helps regulate stress hormones and encourages the release of endorphins – the body’s natural mood boosters. Sunlight also helps your body produce vitamin D, which is linked to better mental health. And given how awful January and Februrary has been we could all do with a natural vitamin D boost! - It Gets Fresh Air Into Your Lungs!
Indoor air can get a bit stale, especially considering the cold damp months we‘ve just experienced, when our windows have stay firmly shut. Getting outside, even for a few deep breaths, helps bring fresh oxygen into your body, which can make you feel more awake and refreshed. - It Grounds and Calms You
Nature has a naturally soothing effect on the nervous system. The gentle rustling of leaves, the brush of air on your skin, or simply feeling the ground beneath your feet can bring a sense of calm and balance when life feels hectic.
Simple Ways to Spend More Time Outside (Without the Pressure)
If the idea of “spending time in nature” feels like another thing to add to your to-do list, then don’t worry. If you’re not an outdoorsy person, then the key to making this work for you is about weaving small, easy moments of outdoor time into your day in a way that feels natural.
- Take your morning tea or coffee outside – Just five minutes of fresh air in the morning can set the tone for the day.
- Go for a short walk, no destination needed – Even a quick stroll around the block (or ‘there and back to see how far it is’ as my mum used to say!) can refresh your energy.
- Open a window and take a few deep breaths – If you can’t get outside, or you just don’t feel you have the time to get outside, bring the outside to you.
- Stand in the sun for a moment – Let the warmth sink in and notice how it feels.
- Bring nature into your space – Adding plants, fresh flowers, or even nature sounds can create a calming environment inside too. You could also ask your friendly AI companion, for example Alexa, to play soothing nature sounds!
And if you want to be more adventurous, then Suffolk is a glorious place to explore. Within 20 minutes of where I live, I've got Ickworth House, the Abbey Gardens, Bradfield Woods, and Nowton Park, and within an hour I'm hitting the coast.
Being Outdoors Doesn’t Have To Be About Doing!
You don’t have to ‘do’ anything once you’re outside. You don’t have to be productive. You don’t even have to go far. Just stepping outside, breathing in the fresh air, and noticing what’s around you is enough.
So, if today feels a little heavy, or if you’re feeling stuck in your head, take a moment to step outside – even if just for a breath or two. Nature has a way of bringing us back to ourselves, one small moment at a time.
How do you like to spend time outside? I’d love to hear what works for you!