EARTH DAY IN YOUR DAY TOO!

Yes! I am shamelessly promoting my favorite Earth Day event where I have strongly influenced nearly anyone in my circle of influence to go to "pitch in". Still, tactical strategy aside, did you know spending even just a few minutes outside each day can reduce your stress and improve your mental wellbeing? This Earth Day, try celebrating mother nature while also reaping the benefits of being outside.

Studies indicate that those who spent time in nature exhibit more positive emotions, are more relaxed, and reported improved spiritual wellbeing. There is evidence this comes from how spending time in nature activates different parts of your brain.

In fact, as a trauma therapist with lived experience, I use it as part of healing because exposure to nature is an antidote to any fight, flight, freeze or fawning trauma response or triggered response to past trauma that activates the sympathetic nervous system. Being in nature increases our parasympathetic nervous activity – the system that counteracts the effects of stress. Even a short amount of time spent outside can lead to a sense of calm, lower heart rate, and lower blood pressure as a result.

Melatonin, the known insomnia supplement, is triggered to begin producing when we are outdoors and exposed to natural light. A great hack for the popular mid-afternoon slump in your work day is going outside in the daylight. Even for a few minutes, this helps regulate your circadian rhythm, increases your alertness during the day and makes it easier to fall asleep at night.

One study has even shown that spending 20-30 minutes in nature can lead to a decrease in cortisol levels – a stress hormone. Spending time in natural light also stimulates Vitamin D production & Serotonin to provide a mood boost. Vitamin D has further been shown to boost your immunity!

So how can you increase your time outdoors besides volunteering outdoors this Earth Day for Pitch in for the Parks? Here are some tips:

• Try eating outside in a green space or park.
• Go for a walk or if you are working from home you can use a walk as a break or consider a walking “commute” around your neighborhood.
• Start a Zen garden, Amazon has tons of search items under this category to try.
• Make hiking, biking, or picnicking in the park part of your weekend plans.
• Try taking 50% of your phone calls outside on your cell.
• Go on a nature scavenger hunt with kids, challenge them to find items as you go
• Put your shoes on outside, even the 3 minutes will get you to slow down and enjoy some rays.
• Meal prep outside, marinate, peel, slice, toss and dice!
• Fold laundry outside.
• Create outside: a yard space with railroad ties, a makeshift tree bench, use your creativity!
• Play the hello game, just sit out and see how many wave or say it back.

KEEP ADDING TO THE LIST! PREFERABLY OUTSIDE!!! SEE YOO OUT THERE!