Explore the great outdoors
Spending a few moments outside daily can significantly improve your physical health by reducing muscle tension and regulating sleep. Experiencing the outdoors specifically green spaces can also benefit your mental health by decreasing stress levels and improving your mood, and it can even enhance your work performance.
Although the shorter evenings during autumn and winter make getting outside challenging, incorporating fresh air into your routine is essential to help avoid the winter blues. Additionally regular exercises, including walking outside can strengthen your immune system and help you fight winter bugs.
Here are a few tips to spend more time in the great outdoors this quarter:
• Find time throughout the day to be outside. Try to walk or do a similar activity outside before or after your workday. Consider meeting a friend for a walk at lunch or arranging a meeting with a colleague outside in the fresh air.
• Move your workouts outside. If you usually run on the treadmill, consider jogging around your neighbourhood instead. You can also do free weight exercises in your garden or at the park rather than going to a gym.
• Make walks fun. Invest in a warm winter coat and waterproof walking boots to make walks safer and more enjoyable during colder months. Consider listening to uplifting music or your favourite podcast while you walk. If you make walking fun, you’re more likely to make it habitual.
• Focus on the quality not quantity of your time outdoors. While outside, try to really listen to and look at what’s around you. Are there birds chirping? What colour are the flowers? An intentional presence outdoors can help you feel more connected to nature and increase the benefits you receive from fresh air.
• Bring nature indoors. Even when you cant get outside for long, you can still bring little pieces of the outdoors in. Consider adding a few house plants around your home and work spaces and spend time sitting beside sunny windows to expose yourself to sunlight.
The benefits of volunteering
When life is hectic, it can be challenging to find time to volunteer. However, research has found that giving, even in simple ways, can boost your physical health. Specifically giving to others helps secrete “feel good” hormones from your brain and can reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, decreasing stress levels and boosting self-esteem.
International volunteer day takes place on 5th December each year. In honour of this event, consider the following benefits of volunteering this quarter:
• Improved social and relationship skills. Volunteering helps you meet new people and strengthen ties to your community. Spending time with others broadens your support network and allows you to practise your social skills.
• Enhanced mental wee being. Volunteering can provide a sense of purpose to help take your mind off worries. Moreover, doing something for others provides a natural sense of accomplishment, which can boost confidence and combat depression.
• Career advancement opportunities. Volunteering may help you gain valuable experience in your area of interest and network with those in the field. Including volunteering on your curriculum vitae can show you’re responsible and a team player.
Protecting your skin during winter
Taking care of your skin the right way can be difficult. This task can seem almost impossible when the temperature and humidity levels drop. Dry skin may not seem like the most concerning health problem, but not treating dry skin can result in itchiness, cracked or painful skin, eczema and dermatitis.
This winter, you should limit how much hot water your skin is exposed to, as hot water rapidly dries out your skin. It can help to take shorter baths and showers and use a limited amount of soap. Additionally, its important to moisturise properly after bathing to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Lastly, a humidifier can help keep moisture in the air. Contact your doctor if you have any dry skin concerns.