When we think about fitness, we often focus on building strength, losing weight or improving physical performance. However, there is an even more profound benefit to fitness – mental health.
One example of free mental health fitness is what I refer to as Nature Therapy. Simply going outdoors can have a huge impact on boosting mood, reducing stress, improving cognitive function, and alleviating anxiety. This can be especially beneficial for those suffering from PTSD.
When we exercise outdoors, we receive physical and psychological benefits such as decreased blood pressure, as well as improved recovery from stressful events, attention fatigue, and depressive symptoms. One way to maximize these positive benefits is to leave the phone at home! No earpods, no music, no podcasts. I challenge you, it is nearly impossible to be stressed and angry while getting in tune with the sounds of nature. From listening to the breeze, watching the hawks soar, hearing birds chirp, leaves rustling, to the sound of your calm breath.
So throw on a ruck, lace up your boots, grab a bottle of water and get outside!
#mentalhealth #maha
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