I remember sitting in my 6th grade classroom during a discussion on the future and what we thought it would be like. Our teacher explained there would come a time when everyone would have a computer in their homes and many of the daily tasks would be handled by automated machines, leaving us all with more leisure time. That leisure time would ideally be spent camping, hiking, swimming, biking, and enjoying the great outdoors.
A computerized world seemed a difficult thing to imagine but we were 12 years old, what did we know about life? We spent our summer days at the pool, riding our bikes, playing baseball in the park, or just sitting under a tree reading a book. We seemed to have all the leisure time we needed, at least at the age of 12.
Today we are living in that future, and I doubt it became what everyone thought it would be.
We all have computers and carry phones in our pockets. While many types of industry have found ways to automate certain processes, most of us still find the workday requires a great deal of our personal attention. We spend more time inside and less time enjoying the activities we all looked forward to including into our lives on a regular basis.
It seems as if we have less leisure time than ever. Children are less likely to hang out with their friends after school, on their bikes, at the park, or throwing a ball around. They are more likely to play computer games for hours if allowed. Our phones can keep us connected to our jobs for longer than the typical 9 to 5 our parents worked. The stress level of the average person is higher than ever before.
We have a mental health crisis and the average person carries more stress, anxiety, and worry than ever before. While we cannot change the world around us we can make a few changes to our lifestyle which could help us find more time to unwind, disconnect, and decompress.
Vitamin D and Mental Health
Low vitamin D levels are associated with increased symptoms of depression and anxiety. Yet, we live in a society that makes taking advantage of being outdoors and in the sun, a natural source of Vitamin D, more difficult. Getting outside, breathing in the fresh air, and enjoying some quiet time not only introduces Vitamin D into our system it can also be enjoyable and have a positive impact on our mental health.
Below are 5 tips you can use to increase your time out of doors and take advantage of the positive effects it can have on your life and mental health.
A walk in the fresh air is a great time to spend a few minutes in prayer. Connecting with God during a walk in the park can offer the opportunity to give your cares to Him and ask for His help in coping with any stress you may be feeling at the time.
Put the phone down, turn off the TV, close the laptop and enjoy some time without electronic interference. Maybe pick up a book you have been meaning to read and sit outside on the porch, listen to the birds singing, and just take some time to feel a cool breeze while the rabbits play tag on the lawn. Reclaim some of your time for quiet reflective thoughts in a peaceful environment.
Do you you have small children? Take them outside and let them run. Go to the park or for a family walk. Include them in the opportunity to disconnect from the electronics and just enjoy being kids. You might consider setting aside a specific period of time each day which is considered electronic free for the whole family.
During the summer months it is always nice to pack a lunch and have a picnic. It doesn’t have to be a big lunch that takes a lot of time to prepare. Make a few sandwiches, pack some chips or veggies, and enjoy a nice day in the park.
If your physical health allows, go for a bike ride, a hike, a swim, or walk down a path in state or national park. Enjoy the great outdoors.
Most of us do not live the kind of life we envisioned for ourselves. The stress levels can become rather high putting us at risk for physical and mental health issues. It is important that we set boundaries with our time and space. We need to give ourselves the time to decompress and disconnect, while engaging in those activities that renew and revitalize our mind and body.
The list above is only a beginning. Make a list of those things you can do to create a better place for yourself mentally and physically, include ways on how, when, and where to implement your ideas.
Cherish the Journey!
If you enjoy the articles on this blog, please leave a comment or share with those who might also benefit. Subscribe to receive articles from this blog through email.