horizons

You don’t have to work in a “green” building—or live near a majestic mountain or forest—to get more from the outdoors. Everyone can to take steps to bring more nature into their lives, and you may even reap benefits simply by sitting outside—no mountain climbing required! Here are some ideas.

Walk more.

If the roads are safe and your doctor has given you the OK to walk, think about how you could fit in some intentional movement outside. Even if your end destination is the doctor’s office, you may find that views of sky and trees leave you feeling upbeat and less stressed by the time you hit the waiting room. And if you’re still working, you might also be able to sneak a quick walk in at lunchtime. Dedicate a pair of sturdy walking shoes as your “walk at work” shoes, and keep them under your desk to make it easy to lace up if you get a break during the day. Better yet—convince a colleague to turn your regular meeting into a walking meeting and you may both reap the benefits.

Consider running errands on foot.

A significant proportion of car trips are made within a few miles of home. On days when you have errands to do within a walkable radius, consider putting on a pair of comfortable shoes, strapping on a good backpack with padded straps and traveling by foot. (Again: get your doctor’s sign-off first.)

Plant something and watch it grow.

Even the tiniest spaces—including a window ledge—can be made greener. Start by planting herbs like basil, oregano and chives in an egg carton. In an office cube or a hospital room, shade plants (like miniature hostas) do well. Bonus: NASA scientists say houseplants remove many indoor pollutants from the air, which is why several varieties of plants have made it into space.

Meditate outdoors.

You may strengthen your mental focus and become more emotionally balanced by bringing your meditation outdoors. Find a quiet place to sit or stand for a few minutes as you get centered. Start to cool down (5 to 10 minutes) by concentrating on breathing deeply, feeling the texture of the ground beneath you, observing the colors and textures of trees and plants, and listening to the breeze, birds or any other sounds around you.

Pick a park bench.

Many public buildings incorporate small gardens or trees into their landscaping. Arrive a few minutes early to appointments and take a seat on a bench to calm your nerves and enjoy the wind in the branches and the sun on your face. Rotten weather? If nothing else, pick the seat by the window.

As previously posted on FitnessMagazine.com