Why we love healthy (and you should too!)
Would you like to have your spirits lifted, sleep like a bear, have a strong immune function, boost your energy and health, plus have better relationships? Sounds great to me.
“Don’t start with the solution, start with the problem you are trying to fix” is what GP’s advise and with more people getting older faster than any time in history. Almost everyone appreciates the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, going outdoors is the new big thing.
You don’t have to tackle a Three Peaks challenge or that dream trek to Machu Picchu to enjoy the benefits that being outside brings but with record temperatures last summer, it’s literally on your doorstep! However, for many people, life’s circumstances or physical and mental conditions can make going outside feel like their own personal Everest.
This can be especially acute in people living alone and tackling loneliness, boredom and in some cases, depression. By staying indoors, you are closing the door to the health and wellbeing benefits of feeling the sun on your face, interacting with others and leaving behind sluggish behaviours.
One of my favourite films, ‘Edie’,demonstrates this when 85-year-old actress, Sheila Hancock is pulled by the lure of the Scottish mountains after the passing of her husband. Although you don’t need to act as extreme as Edie did, she does prove the power that having an outdoors mind-set has.
Most people who spend time outside experience lowered stress and depression. So, you can lift you spirit as well as your feet by letting your brain feel the many benefits of the stimulation that being outside brings…
Such as, sleeping like a bear. Activity such as being outdoors, equals exercise which leads to better sleep at night, leaving you bright eyed the next day.
Strengthening your immune system. According to research, being outdoors increases your white blood cells and these white blood help to destroy bacteria and viruses.
Possibly preventing depression, Osteoporosis and potentially Cancer? Well then, getting some Vitamin D could help. Apparently glass filters this, so being outdoors in direct sunlight, is the main source of vitamin D.
Boosting your energy and health. There is plenty of research that links being outside to increased energy and health, making you feel more alive and providing you with a greater feeling of vitality.
Making new friends. We are all inherently social people and spending time outside, with others, can increase self-esteem and feelings of positivity.
Every journey starts with just one action or small step, you could dust off that bus pass and find a local senior walking group. Soar like an eagle, sleep like a bear and do something, today, that your future self will thank you for.
