From the increased necessity for remote work to trends in employee turnover and new generations entering the workforce, work as we have known it is changing. Although these numerous changes have forced organizations to adapt rapidly, one aspect where workplaces are still falling behind is culture.
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Human Nature: Wellness Benefits of the Outdoors
It should come as no surprise that the spaces we occupy every day have a huge impact on our overall wellness. The Environmental Protection Agency and Vancouver Coastal Health report that Americans and Canadians spend about 90% of their time indoors. But what about the time we spend outdoors? Speaker Mark A. Campbell, Ph.D., CWP, NBC-HWC, outlined the benefits of the outdoors in our latest webcast with the National Wellness Institute—The Nature of Wellness™: Building a Better Inside by Getting Outside.
The natural world is the source of numerous health and wellness benefits, including increased immune function and cardiovascular health, improved mood and sleep quality, and lower symptoms of depression and anxiety. The benefits of spending time in nature go beyond just the physical and emotional—There are also significant social and spiritual benefits like increased empathy, reduced feelings of isolation and loneliness, and an increased sense of purpose. These positive wellness impacts are not new… So why aren’t we getting outside?
Aside from the enticing draw of technology and the overwhelming presence of digital screens in our modern world, there are quite a few barriers people face when trying to spend more time in nature. Both in-office and remote work can keep us tied to our desks, in addition to time constraints and a lack of available natural spaces. Whatever the barriers, here are five “trail tips” that can also be shared with your employees and clients, to get more nature exposure and to reap the wellness benefits of the outdoors:
- Start Small
Spending some time surrounded by nature is better than none. Take baby steps, especially if you are not very familiar with or have a fear of the outdoors. It is recommended to spend at least 20 minutes a day in nature to see overall health benefits. Try taking your morning coffee break outside or walking the dog after work.
- Find Your Nature
Everyone engages with the natural world differently. Some people love climbing mountains, while others prefer going to the beach or gardening. Find what works for you! This can be an excellent opportunity to try new activities and pick up new skills, too.
- Nature Together
Time in nature can also be time spent with friends, family and your community. Enjoy the outdoors with loved ones without the barrier of screens or the temptation of smartphones and keep each other accountable in accomplishing your nature-centric goals. Volunteering for community beautification projects can get you outside and help you form positive relationships with your neighbors.
- Bring the Outside Inside
For many of us, it can be difficult to spend time outside between work, our daily commute and other commitments. The simplest way to passively integrate more nature into our lives is to bring elements of the outdoors into our homes and offices. Join in on the biophilic trend—Decorate your space with indoor plants and natural materials, and spend time near windows when you can. Make it a multisensory experience by playing nature sounds in the room or bringing virtual nature scenes onto your screens.
- Make It Routine
Now that you’ve become a nature lover and are ready to spend more time outdoors, it is time to get consistent. Make “your nature” a part of your normal routine. Soon, you’ll look forward to the time you spend outdoors as the highlight of your week. Try integrating nature into your virtual day, too—Even if all you can manage are daily reminders in your calendar to get moving or step outside, you will be all the more well for it.
Interested in learning more about the benefits of nature? View our webcast in partnership with the National Wellness Institute—The Nature of Wellness™: Building a Better Inside by Getting Outside, presented by Mark A. Campbell, Ph.D., CWP, NBC-HWC, owner of Campbell Performance and the Nature of Wellness™ podcast.
If you are a nature lover or an outdoors expert seeking new ways of finding wellness in the natural world, check out the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy or pick up Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do by Wallace J. Nichols.
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ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR REBECCA PLIER // PR/Communications Specialist • IFEBP
Rebecca Plier is diving headfirst into the wonderful world of employee benefits and workplace wellness. As a PR/Communications Specialist at WELCOA’s partner organization, the International Foundation, Rebecca shares essential information on educational programming, emerging benefits research data, member resources, and so much more. To maintain balance, she enjoys art journaling and attending regular yoga sessions.
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