Welcome to Day 25 of our February Fitness Challenge.
How have you been doing so far?
If this is your first glance, complete today's mini task and our Fitness Focus Exercise along with us. Then check out the past blogs for more ideas on how to feel healthier overall.
Find a moment of peace in nature; drive, walk, breathe, listen.
Source: Wix Media
The benefits for me in nature are present in my overall feeling of calm afterwards. A drive through the country, a walk along a wooded path, or casually sitting by the waters edge is all I really need to release pent up toxic energy of an over-stressed mind. My top 3 benefits:
Calm - I feel the wind, breathe the clean air, and clear my whole to-do list out of my mind. Nature brings an existence of time I usually feel the urgency of... running on top gear with increased anxiety and high self-expectations almost daily. I make it a point to regularly allow myself the peaceful drive, mindful walk, or empty minutes by the water so I can apply more of myself to my obligations. An article by Explore Health details Why Nature Sounds Can Help You Relax, According to Science.
Clarity - After I return from uninterrupted(5), no demand, natural excursions to our technology packed lifestyle... I feel more focused and driven to complete my responsibilities. I may even do it with more of a smile too. This article from Scientific American, Why do I think better after I exercise?, outlines why physical activity is beneficial for our brain. So even the act of walking to your natural destination is helping you increase blood flow to the brain and shake off the mental fog.
Connection - This one is a personal journey that takes attention, practice, and a willingness to open up internally. I've found personal relief from visiting with nature. An acceptance within myself, the realization of a bigger picture through incredible existence, and a continuous reminder of how miraculous the earth truly is. We are so small... when we choose to sit down and shake silent hands with centuries of life. I love the benefits of breath work, earth connection, and the power of nature.
Here is an article from The Huffington Post called Fresh Air From The Big Outdoors Has Lasting Health Benefits. From prevention of illness, to relaxation, to a mood boost... why not get outside?
Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing from the University of Minnesota answers How Does Nature Impact Our Wellbeing? : it heals, soothes, restores, and connects.
10 Surprising Health Benefits of Walking Barefoot from Power of Positivity overviews the important connection we have with natural life when we touch skin to earth.
And if you're not quite convinced yet to take a visit to nature, here are the Effects of Sunlight and Fresh Air on the Body from Healthfully and 4 Reasons Why Walking Outside Benefits the Brain from Advanced Neurotherapy.
If you're unable to get outside for some reason or are limited in your physical capacity, even breathwork can provide many healing and restorative benefits. This is an article from Forbes called Breathing And Your Brain: Five Reasons To Grab The Controls. I liked this article because it brings attention to ability we have to change breathing patterns over a span of time. We can learn to control our sub-conscious habits to help our future selves overcome.
Powerful beings we are.
This leads into our Fitness Focus for today: Stomach Vacuums.
These help to increase your lung capacity and diaphragmic breathing patterns over a span of time. It also helps to train us to recognize our core muscle control and how to properly brace for exercise (to protect our spine). If you'd like to find relaxation with your breathing you can check out my previous blog, A Breathing Technique That Really Works to Feel Calm.
Video Instructions:
Well Day 25... Hope you have found value.
Any questions, message me anytime.
I'd love to hear from you.
Once you've completed the day... comment below with your findings and progress, I'd love to support you while we challenge ourselves one day at a time. #DayOneAlways mentality with #believeagainfitness effort will create the #healthylifestyle consistency we need. Social media hashtag #februaryfitnesschallenge2021 and be sure to have FUN.
We've got this together.
🌹 Take care all and much love.