Outdoor Wellbeing: Autumn

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The physiological and psychological benefits of being outdoors is unarguably good for human health. It battles depression, boosts morale, and it increases physical well-being 1 2 3. The natural environment increases your sense of happiness 4! But, much of the demands on our day to day lives make it easy to push it further down the priority list. We make excuses: "I've got to do _(insert here)_", "I'll get to it tomorrow", or "it's too cold/wet/windy/rainy/etc"... that last one is one of the most unfortunate excuses, in my opinion. When you were a kid, did a bit of rain stop you from getting your wellies or rain boots out to go stomp around in the puddles? Did the dirt keep you from making those mud-pies, or picking up the branch that was your new-found sword? Perhaps it did, but for many of us, those things didn't matter. So, why should it now? Do you have access to a shower, bath, or at a minimum, access to a sink or wet-wipes for your hands? And a washer for your clothes? Don't let the 'adult' mind keep you from letting your inner child outside to play; let your imagination soar! Take a walk, go for a run, walk the dog, play with your kids, hunt for fungi, watch the leaves fall from the trees, or simply enjoy the subtle change of crispness in the air refresh your senses as you wander through a park, path, trail, your backyard, or down the street.

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of year. The leaves are changing colour, dancing in the wind before blanketing Earth's floor with golden, red, and orange hues. Let the season ease you into the comforts of the hearth or fireplace, with the warmth of a blanket and hot cup of tea, chocolate, or mulled wine.

Yes, we do live demanding lives. But take the opportunity to make your health and well-being a priority. Not just for your own benefit (as if that isn't enough), but for those around you - family, friends, colleagues, strangers - because regular activity outdoors makes for a happier person  Enjoy the outdoors, regardless of the season - get that new winter jacket or your favourite coloured wellies/rain boots - enjoy wherever you live, and explore the area!

Sources: 
1     Morgan, K., & Bath, P. A. (1998). Customary physical activity and psychological wellbeing: a longitudinal study. Age and ageing, 27(suppl 3), 35-40.

2     Pryor, A., Carpenter, C., & Townsend, M. (2005). Outdoor education and bush adventure therapy: A social-ecological approach to health and wellbeing. Australian Journal of Outdoor Education, 9(1), 3-13.

3     Thompson Coon, J., Boddy, K., Stein, K., Whear, R., Barton, J., & Depledge, M. H. (2011). Does participating in physical activity in outdoor natural environments have a greater effect on physical and mental wellbeing than physical activity indoors? A systematic review. Environmental science & technology, 45(5), 1761-1772.

4     MacKerron, G., & Mourato, S. (2013). Happiness is greater in natural environments. Global Environmental Change, 23(5), 992-1000.