- Jan
- 27
- 2017
Stress Less By Getting Outdoors!
Do you find yourself so engrossed in your work that hours pass before you realize you haven’t stretched or taken a brief break?
“Getting outside, away from your daily routine, is an important way to reduce stress levels and allow your mind to regroup,” says Cindy Ryan, Exercise Physiologist, Director of Therapeutic Programming and Wellness, LI Home and Northwell Health Wellness Liaison. “Simply sitting on a garden bench, or taking a walk around the perimeter of your building, are ways you can incorporate outside time into your busy day.”
Here are some invigorating facts on why you should make a breath of fresh air a priority in your day:
Exercise: Increased activity just feels more natural when done outdoors (and research shows that the color green from plants, trees and grass actually contributes to that feeling)
Brain function: Creativity and concentration rev up when you go outside for a stroll
Vitamin D: Ten to 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure is important to offset Vitamin D deficiency, a common deficiency in Americans – it is very important for bone growth, cell growth, reducing inflammation and more
Each week of the Stress Less Challenge, you’ll have a new tool to continue your practice of reducing stress. Be sure to track your results each week at Northwell.edu/myWellness with a simple Yes or No to earn your reward points and get you one challenge closer to becoming a Wellness Warrior.
Questions? Contact myWellness@northwell.edu
If you are experiencing extreme stress, contact the experts at our free and confidential Employee Assistance Program: eap@northwell.edu.