One of the things we have been waiting for during this pandemic is getting outdoors and socializing. The outdoors is the best medicine to keep you healthy and feeling positive about your life purpose. Many need to get fresh air to just clear the mind and relax. We often forget the benefits of nature and what it can accomplish in healing our bodies and our minds.

4 Reasons to get Moving in Nature

Adds Years to Your Life

We all know exercise keeps the heart healthy and it is good to be active everyday. However, getting outside and staying active also helps with vitamin D, which many aging adults tend to be deficit in. Getting exercise, vitamin D, and fresh air has to be good. According to the American Cancer Society, 150 minutes of exercise a week will really help reduce disease and keep you healthy. Try just a little walking to get the health benefits for your body and your mind. You might even discover somewhere new to explore as you are outdoors finally. 

Keeps the Brain Active

Moving outdoors feels good to your body, and now that you can get outside and move, DO IT! However, not only does physical activity boost your body, but it stimulates the brain! Research claims the outdoor air clears the mind and keeps it more vibrant. You become calm and stimulate your mind in a more relaxed way and reduce stress. During the Coronavirus we were isolated and the weather did not help us to get out and breathe. With the sunlight hours increasing and the temperatures rising above 60 degrees, it feels refreshing to go outside and take a stroll.

Helps You Rest at Night

Sometimes, aging adults struggle with sleep and they are up and down all night long. There are many reasons like an active bladder, muscle cramps or a racing active mind. Whatever your reason is for insomnia, you need to remember by staying active and getting time in the outdoors helps you sleep better. Just being outdoors requires more energy and when you come inside, you are ready to relax and tend to rest better at night. Older adults who get a good night’s rest tend to be happier and are less prone to falls and illness. 

Keeps You Positive

Finally, you get outside and you are so HAPPY! There is a magic in nature that helps reduce stress, clears the mind, keeps the body active and boosts your positive attitude. It is vital to have life purpose and be positive especially during the pandemic of COVID-19. Many aging adults were alone and anxious during the last few months and now they can get out and relax a little bit. Now that you can embrace the outdoors and rejuvenate your spirit, take full advantage of the benefits of outside. Plant a garden, go for a walk, sit and read a book in the sunshine. Nature lifts your attitude to enjoy your life. 

Oftentimes, we forget the benefits of the outdoors and moving and enjoying all that nature brings us. This is the time to engage and fully be aware of what nature can do to heal the soul and heart. Do you often have questions about aging? Do you sometimes wonder if you should help mom or dad with the aging process? Contact Ann at Senior Living Options and let her help guide you. She is expert in senior care and helping families navigate the road of aging in a graceful and healthful manner.

Author: Ann Jamison

Ann Jamison is an experienced senior advisor who has successfully worked with hundreds of families to help them find the best care and home-like environment for themselves or their loved ones. Prior to launching Senior Living Options, Ann was an eldercare advisor for a national placement agency and served as sales director at a senior living community. Thanks to her 25-year career in advertising sales and marketing, Ann is able to discern between hype and reality for her clients. Ann recognizes that there are objective factors that need to be weighed when making a life-changing decision, but she can also assess the important softer attributes by getting to know her clients and by using the gut instincts that can only come through extended experience.