The Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors

I recently saw a graphic on Pinterest about the benefits of spending time outdoors. It stated that the 6 benefits of exercising in nature but I'll share 4 of them:

• Fresh air has more oxygen
• Greenscapes raise serotonin levels
• Increases feelings of well-being and lowers depression
• Sun exposure raises vitamin D levels and optimizes hormones

I know that when I spend time outdoors - even if it's just sitting on the porch - I feel more relaxed and happy. In the warmer months, it's easy to do. It's a bit more challenging for me to do in the winter since I hate being cold.

Thankfully we do have nice, warm days during the winter. Here in the south the weather fluctuates so much. It's freezing one day and can be warm the next. On those nice days though I like to be outside - sitting on the porch or working in the yard. There is always yard work that needs to be done. 

For the cold days, I need to invest in outerwear that makes being outside more bearable - a coat, gloves, and warm cap.

I think about the people in Denmark. Though they have long, dreary, cold winters they are the happiest people in the world. How is that possible? 

They embrace the outdoors - even on the coldest of days - and make the most of it. I think that is a great attitude to have. I try really hard to not grumble about the cold, but I'm not always successful! 

As with many things in life, it takes work and practice to improve. Our attitudes are no different.

The Danish people practice hygge.  Hygge is a Danish word for feeling happy, content, and grateful. It's feeling connected and making the best of things. It is the art of getting cozy. 

I think we could all use a little more hygge in our lives, don't you?

I'd love to hear your thoughts! 

Tracy x

The Basics of Self Care

We all know how important it is to take care of ourselves, but do we heed the advice? I am, at 45, really starting to pay attention to my health but it would have been so much better if I had done this 20+ years ago. 

The basics of self care are very simple:

• 8 hours of sleep minimum
• Drink more water
• Move your body more
• Get fresh air & sunshine daily

If you're not a water drinker (me!), start small and work your way up. I started drinking 8 oz. of water each day for a week, then jumped to 16oz. the second week, 24 oz. the third week, and 32 oz the fourth week (where I'm currently at). 

If you are sedentary, start with 5-15 minutes of walking and slowly increase from there. Doing something is better than nothing at all. If you are walking outside, you're getting the benefit of fresh air & sunshine, too! 

And rest. Since my husband has become disabled and forced to retire early, we don't have a set schedule we have to adhere to. I have read that the more sleep you get before midnight the better it is for your body. I try to go to sleep at 10pm but it doesn't always happen. It's a work in progress and that's okay! Sleep is when your body recharges and repairs itself so it's super important. Prioritize sleep over your to-do list. That's what Kayla @not.so.consumed on Instagram does, so I'm following her lead. 

Of course, there is so much more to good health, but just start with the basics. When you get a handle on these, start looking at other things you can do to improve your health. 

Do you prioritize good health or do you need to work on this area?

I'm listening and cheering you on! x