Being outdoors always relaxes me, whether I’m at the beach, running around Central Park with my dog, or simply looking at a cloud-filled sky. Seems like whatever is on my mind, I automatically feel less stressed when I’m outside and the sun is shining. No wonder: Research suggests that connecting with nature can be good for your physical and mental health. Multiple studies show that hospital patients in a room with a view of trees healed more quickly than those who could see only a brick wall.
It can be tough to escape to nature, though, especially if you live in a city and work indoors the way I do. Try these tips to sneak a little more fresh air into your every day:
Exercise Al Fresco
Personally, I run farther and feel more refreshed when I’m outside — it’s as if my sweat literally washes away all my stress! Instead of hitting the gym, take a jog around the block or through a nearby park. In addition to bolstering your spirits, you may find that you can push yourself harder than you might on the treadmill or the elliptical, since you’ll be enjoying the scenery too much to notice how hard you’re working. For a plan you can do virtually anywhere (and lose pounds painlessly), check out the SELF Challenge.
Green Your Space
People with a view of nature outside their office are more enthusiastic and patient than those without one, according to a study from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Since my own office overlooks the neon signs of Times Square (an interesting view, to be sure, but not exactly Zen), I’ve always kept an oversize potted tree next to my window. It reminds me of, and connects me to, the natural world out there. Don’t have a green thumb? Buy a cactus!
Reduce Road Rage
It’s easy to get aggravated when you’re stuck in gridlock. While you can’t control traffic, redirecting your regular route so you wind past natural roadside settings (versus strip malls) may ratchet down your commuting stress, report researchers at Texas A&M University in College Station. My approach when I’m behind the wheel: I try to take the most scenic routes (and blast my favorite tunes, of course!), so I feel like the trip is a treat.
