The Green Zone

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” — John Muir

 With most of the planet finally enjoying the nice weather of spring, this is a perfect time to step away from electronics and out into the great outdoors.  While we know it feels good to be outside in nature, there’s research that shows being in nature benefits our minds, bodies and spirits.

These benefits include:

• A Healthy dose of Vitamin D.  Spending even 10-15 minutes outside in the sunshine, gives us a nice dose of this vitamin that’s essential for strong immune systems and supportive of strong teeth.
• Improved Mood. Allowing our bodies to be surrounded by the sights and smells in nature has been shown to improve our state of mind, and to aid in combating depression.
• Happier Kids.  Taking kids outside helps them do better in school and has been shown to support their overall well-being.

Here are our top suggestions to get you out in Nature:

• Hike it.  Start small and plan a short hike in a park near your home.
• Bike it.  Dust off those bikes and take them for a spin.
• Make it a habit.  Start your day with a 20-minute walk outside and set yourself up for a better day, everyday.
• Put your hands in it.  Gardening outside gives you exposure to healing sunlight and the opportunity to grow your own healthy food.
• Vacation in it.  Plan your next vacation by building in time in nature and deepen the positive impact of your time away from work.