Embracing the Arrival of Spring
Being Outdoors – Simple Healing
by Suzy Griswold
As winter bids farewell and makes way for the blossoming beauty of spring, I await with great anticipation. I love the Spring. It is my favorite season and it’s almost here. Another winter has passed and the light and colors of spring are breaking through. As I sit outside and look across the yard, I see my tulip tree is blooming, and the birds are scammering around, including a beautiful bluebird. Look at the vibrant colors. Even the dead leaves in the background take on a new landscape with bright Spring colors.
I am hopeful it is one of the baby birds I wrote about last May. Perhaps we’ll see another family of bluebirds this year on our back porch.For me, the transition from the cold and dark days of winter to the bright and invigorating days of spring brings with it a renewed sense of energy and vitality. Beyond the surface-level joy we experience during this season, research reveals that the abundance of sunshine and outdoor time plays a significant role in improving our overall health and well-being. This is something so many of us often overlook — the simple things God has provided to us that impact our overall health.
The Importance of Sunshine:
God’s source of light for us not only brings warmth and helps seeds breakthrough into plant source and food for all, sunshine offers a range of benefits for our physical and mental health. When our skin is exposed to sunlight, it triggers the production of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for bone health and immune function. Studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of various health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and even cancer. In addition to the benefits of sunshine, spending time outdoors has been linked to improved mental health and enhanced overall well-being. Research suggests that being in nature can reduce stress, increase feelings of happiness, and enhance cognitive function. Time spent in green spaces has been associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and attention deficit disorder symptoms. Exposure to natural light helps synchronize our body’s internal clock, leading to better sleep quality and overall mood regulation. It’s no wonder we feel more energized and at ease during the sun-drenched days of spring.
What Can You Do?
Engaging in activities such as walking, hiking, cycling, or gardening not only allows us to soak in the beauty of nature but also provides an opportunity to exercise and stay active. Moving our bodies in the fresh air nurtures our physical vitality and supports healthy aging. As we welcome the arrival of spring, let us embrace the healing power of sunshine and outdoor time. My husband, Jeff, and I are watching a series on Netflix called The Blue Zone. It’s a look at centurians (those who live to 100) and the researcher has been studying this population all across the world for decades now. What he has found is quite encouraging. What we teach in our lessons for HealingStrong is SPOT ON for the lifestyle of these amazing communities, or rather pockets across the world.Here are a few suggestions to make the most of this beautiful season and enhance your healing routine with free, God-given healing!
- Spend some time in the early morning or late afternoon sun. Aim for around 10-15 minutes of direct sunshine on your skin, without sunscreen, to allow your body to produce vitamin D.
- Incorporate outdoor fitness activities into your routine. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a bike ride, or doing a porch garden, find activities that you enjoy and that get you moving outside. The movement of bending down and getting up is something the centurions do throughout the day!
- Take regular breaks outdoors during your workday. Step outside, stretch, or find a quiet spot to sit and soak up the sun. These moments of rejuvenation can enhance productivity and focus.
- Plan outdoor gatherings with friends and family. Enjoy picnics or simply lounging in the backyard while reconnecting with loved ones in the warm embrace of nature. Plan your day, and work your plan! Work in fun and enjoyment with God’s backdrop of beauty.
As we bid farewell to winter and welcome the blossoming season of spring, let us not forget the immense benefits that sunshine and outdoor time bring to our overall well-being. The healing power of nature is readily available to us, and by embracing it, we can nourish our bodies, uplift our spirits, and rejuvenate our minds. So, let’s step outside, feel the sunshine on our skin, and allow God’s beautiful creation to work its wonders on our health and state of mind.Remember, spring is not just about the change in weather; it’s an invitation to embrace God’s healing energy in all His glory.
All my love and gratitude to you all.
Keep on healingSTRONG!
Suzy
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