Tag: outdoors

The Nature Cure: Reconnecting for Healing

by Fitness Excel, posted in Uncategorized

Nature and outdoor environments can play a significant role in aiding the healing process of injuries, both physical and emotional. After suffering an ankle sprain whilst hill trail running recently, I outline several ways in which spending time in nature has helped contribute to healing:

Stress Reduction: Nature is known to have a calming and soothing effect on the mind. Being surrounded by natural beauty, whether it’s a forest, a beach, or a park, can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Lower stress levels can contribute to better overall healing and recovery.

Physical Activity: Engaging in gentle physical activities in nature, such as walking, can aid circulation, improve mobility, and encourage the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Controlled and appropriate physical activity can prevent muscle atrophy, reduce stiffness, and promote overall fitness. Pilates exercises. Ankle sprains can affect balance and proprioception (awareness of body position in space). Pilates exercises often incorporate balance challenges and controlled movements, which can help retrain the proprioceptive feedback system and restore better balance to the injured ankle.

Fresh Air and Oxygen: Spending time outdoors exposes you to fresh air, which is often cleaner and more oxygen-rich than indoor air. This increased oxygen intake can help with tissue healing and cell regeneration.

Mind-Body Connection: Nature has a positive impact on mental well-being. When your mind feels better, it can positively influence your body’s ability to heal. Nature’s tranquility and beauty can promote a positive outlook, which in turn can support healing.

Distraction and Positive Engagement: Being in nature provides a change of scenery and an opportunity to engage in activities that you enjoy. This distraction can help take your mind off pain or discomfort and provide a positive focus.

Boosting Immune System: Some studies suggest that spending time in natural environments can enhance the immune system’s function. A stronger immune system can support the body’s healing process.

Enhanced Mood and Emotional Healing: Nature has been linked to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and even alleviation of symptoms of depression. Emotional well-being is closely linked to physical healing, as a positive mental state can contribute to a faster recovery.

Mindfulness and Relaxation: Nature provides an ideal setting for practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques. These practices can lower stress levels, reduce pain perception, and promote a sense of calm that aids in healing.

Rest and Restoration: Nature offers a peaceful and serene environment that can promote restorative sleep, which is crucial for the body’s healing processes.

8 Quick Strategies to Overcome Procrastination when it comes to Exercising:

by Fitness Excel, posted in "life coach", adventure education, camino, fitness walking, flow, health, mental health, outdoors learning, Performance, Pilates, Resilience

1. Break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks: Instead of thinking of exercise as one large and daunting task, break it down into smaller, more achievable steps. This could include setting aside time for stretching, going for a short walk, or doing a quick workout video.

2. Make a plan and schedule it: Set a specific time and date for exercise and stick to it. Schedule it into your daily routine so it becomes a habit.

3. Find an accountability partner: Enlist the help of a friend or family member to hold you accountable for your exercise routine. This could include checking in with them regularly or even exercising together.

4. Create an enjoyable experience: Find ways to make exercise more enjoyable, such as combining your exercise in a different environment such as the outdoors, whilst appreciating nature.

5. Reward yourself: Create a reward system for when you complete your exercise routine. This could be anything from treating yourself to a favourite snack or activity to buying a new workout outfit.

6. Use positive self-talk: Use positive self-talk to motivate yourself and overcome negative thought patterns. Focus on the benefits of exercise and remind yourself that it’s a form of self-care that will improve your overall health and well-being.

7. Start small and build up: If you’re just starting out, don’t feel like you have to jump into intense workouts right away. Start small with a few minutes of exercise each day and gradually build up over time.

8. Remember, it’s normal to struggle with procrastination when it comes to exercise, but with some dedication and the right strategies, you can overcome it and make exercise a regular part of your routine.

Exercise & Natural Environments

by Fitness Excel, posted in Uncategorized

There is much research on the physiological and psychological aspects of physical activity and our well-being. However, have you considered how your environment influences your health?

Green Exercise

The majority of people live in urban cities, with an increase in technology and pollution, most exercise training takes places in a leisure centre or gym. There are multiple choices of exercising in the ‘great outdoors’ such as local green parks, beaches, gardens, beaches, coastal regions and forests. Studies have shown that exercising in a natural environment and engaging with nature have greater results on ‘mental well-being’ compared to training indoors. With longer and warmer days, integrate some outdoor exercise into your lifestyle and add some variety to your workout