It might go without saying, but God created us to experience the wonders of His creation, and we do that by getting outside and taking in the magnitude of His beautiful masterpieces. Yet, it may not be surprising to know that more and more people, including children, are spending less time outdoors. According to Outdoor Magazine, “Nearly half of the U.S. population doesn’t participate in any outdoor recreation at all, and only 17.9 percent got out at least once a week in 2018.” The article goes on to add that, “Children took part in 15 percent fewer outdoor activities in 2018 than they did six years before.”
Friends, this study was done seven years ago, can you imagine the statistics now? The bottom line is that while the results are alarming at best and should bring a tinge of concern, there is something we can do about it! The simple solution is that we heed this warning and spend time outdoors, soaking in the wonders of nature, and blissfully experience that many benefits of breathing in fresh air.
Sounds easy enough, right? Well, not so fast. While we may know the statistics and the harm of continuously being indoors (especially if the air quality isn’t great), if we don’t take action and strive to be intentional by following through and getting outdoors, nothing will change. In other words, your health is up to you, and you are the only one who will reap the benefits.
So, whether you work in an office, travel for your vocation, or type at a desk remotely, the truth is that most of us spend the majority of our time (and days) indoors, completely removed from nature. Not only that, but we have been drawn to technology as it has morphed and changed into the attention beast that it is, demanding our attention, stealing our time, and yearning for our respect. Therefore, making it easier to just stay put rather than look up and take notice of what is right in front of us.
But, while I am not one to preach on this topic as writer, that yes, mainly works indoors, I can attest that when I am confined to my little “remote” office space (a.k.a. kitchen table) and spend days on end without actually “enjoying” nature, my entire body feels it! And, by enjoying nature, I mean more than merely stepping outside while rushing my children off to school or running errands.
So, my fellow believer, let’s dig into this topic a little more together, and discover the benefits of getting outdoors, breathing in some good ‘ole fashioned fresh air, and marveling at God’s awe-inspiring creation. Furthermore, let’s really look at how we can implement the outdoors into our daily lives and routines in a means to foster healthier lifestyles that honor our temple (Corinthians 6:19-20) and glorify God!
Benefits of Fresh Air on Your Mind
As one that is prone to anxiety, stress, and serious bouts of high cortisol, especially when it comes to pushing through a work venture or adding way too much on my plate only to suffer mental overload, “mental breaks” not only become necessary, but they eventually become mandatory.
Multiple studies (thanks to Google search) have proven that just stepping outside and taking slow deep breaths can shift our focus, regain our attention, and jump-start our creativity. But let’s be serious, friends, we don’t need to search and scour the internet to know this, we can feel it. The mental load we place on ourselves, and more concerning the mental load our kids face today, is truly tremendous. So, next time you feel mentally tapped out and completely overloaded and the stress is building up, take a break and step away to infiltrate your mind with fresh air for a fresh perspective.
When we do this, not only does it cause us to get still and quiet (Psalm 46:10), but it also brings about a sense of calm that can trigger positive emotional responses, including joy, as we allow God to fill our thoughts with His truth, love, and grace. When we surround ourselves with God’s nature, we welcome His soft and subtle presence. How sweet is that?
Three easy ways to improve your mental state by getting outdoors and breathing in fresh air:
1. Step away from a project and go outside for at least ten minutes.
2. Put your phone out of view or turn off notifications so you can have time to clear your mind without distractions, so you can enjoy that quiet time with God.
3. If you are unable to step outside, get close to a window and look outside or take a moment to just stabilize your thoughts with long, deep breathing. Breathe in for four, hold for four, and breathe out for four seconds. Do this three times and feel the stress slowly lift.
Benefits of Fresh Air on Your Body
When we are crunched up at a desk all day, especially when we are looking down, it puts a massive amount of pressure on our neck, back, and shoulders that can eventually lead to grave consequences. Before too long, you’ll likely be taking a trip to the doctor or chiropractor for anti-inflammatory supplements or a spine adjustment. Sure, these can help in the short term, but what if we took better care of our physical bodies by tuning into how we physically feel and taking precautions to prevent some of these alignments?
Now, I know there are moments when it isn’t the best opportunity to step away and take a walk outdoors, or you can’t necessarily turn off your phone if your boss is about to call, but when our bodies are feeling fatigued, we need to listen. Pausing, even if for a moment, and stepping outside to soak in a little vitamin D can rejuvenate your body by lowering your blood pressure and heart rate and can even ease muscle tension. According to my chiropractor, movement is also extremely important. When we move, we strengthen our immune system and prevent (or keep at bay) many chronic illnesses such as heart and lung disease or diabetes.
Three easy ways to improve your physical state by getting outdoors:
1. Instill a morning and evening routine that will allow your body to receive sunlight first thing in the morning and create a peaceful evening to foster a consistent circadian rhythm, allowing your body to fully function during the day and recharge at night.
2. Check the posture and position at your desk to be sure you aren’t adding undue pressure on your back, spine, or neck. There are many work chairs that provide special cushions or are specifically made for back support. They may be worth looking into if you are suffering from chronic pain.
3. Take a stroll, walk, or jog after work to decompress and bring movement into your day.
Benefits of Fresh Air on Your Soul
God provides us with such a precious gift when we meet Him outdoors. When we take the time to truly sit in awe of what He has created for us, we begin to see His character revealed through everything He has made. Just taking a few moments outdoors and shifting our gaze on the trees, listening to the birds, or marveling at the mountains, hills, or grassy knoll that spreads before us invites God to show us that He created us in such a unique way, and wants us to find peace and rest, in Him (Psalm 4:8).
While this may prove challenging if you work in an office where patches of grass are altogether absent and trees may be sparse, instead try opening a window for fresh air or get a humidifier or air purifier if the office is stuffy, also, seek out a nearby park and take your lunch outside, allowing God to meet you where you are and rejuvenate your soul. Friend, when we make time to get outside or try to bring the outdoors in, we get to experience our od’s divine power, allowing Him to grant us sufficient peace throughout our day (Romans 1:20).
Three easy ways to feed your soul with fresh air:
1. Soak in God’s Word or take your prayer life outdoors.
2. Sit in awe of God’s handiwork and marvel at the attention to detail He gives in all His creation during your lunch break.
3. Whether you sit by a window and breathe in the outdoors or carve out time to take a brisk walk outside, allow that sweet time to be a time to reflect and give God your thanks and praise for His many blessings.
They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—and I will meditate on your wonderful works. Psalm 145:5
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Lilly Roadstones
