Stress Tip: Spend Time Outdoors

For 30 days, GPS for the Soul and meQuilibrium are providing you tips on how to live a healthier, happier and stress-free life. See the previous stress tips here.

Mounting research suggests that prolonged sitting does you no good on any front — physical or psychological. And if standing up is a good idea, getting outside is an even better one. While stress erodes your energy, moving around — particularly in the fresh air and ideally near some trees — can restore it. It can also build your resilience to stress in the process. The calming, energizing effect of nature can only work its magic if you get out in it once in a while.

So rather than worry about whether or not you’ll make it to the gym tonight, make it a point instead to get outside at least twice during your workday. You’ll be surprised at what a dose of the great outdoors can do even in small increments.

Read more about how to make walking work for you.

–Posted by Lindsay Holmes

Learn more useful information about stress and your health! Order meQuilibrium’s new book, meQuilibrium: 14 Days to Cooler, Calmer, and Happier, co-authored by meQuilibrium CEO Jan Bruce, Adam Perlman, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, and Andrew Shatté, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer.