It's spring time! Why should you maximize this new burst of energy in the great outdoors?

Friday: Mindfulness by Miles FROM THE DESK OF MILES EVERSON: Hello, everyone! Welcome to today’s edition of “Mindfulness by Miles!” Every Friday, I talk about topics related to work, wealth, and our overall well-being. My hope is that these lifestyle tips and tricks will help boost your career and health just as much as they help boost mine. Today, I’ll focus on the importance of getting out into the great outdoors. Continue reading to learn more about the health benefits of reconnecting ourselves with nature. CEO, MBO Partners Chairman of the Advisory Board, The I Institute

It's spring time! Why should you maximize this new burst of energy in the great outdoors? Spring is right around the corner here in Austin, Texas. The weather is getting warmer, we’re having more hours of daylight, and there always seems to be a new burst of energy in the air. For me, this means we no longer have any excuse to stay inside our homes. During winter, it’s easy and instinctively normal to cozy up indoors. However, with the coming of a new season, it’s time to say goodbye to hiding under warm blankets and binging on another Netflix or Hulu series. Simply said, it’s time to get back outside! In today's fast-paced and technology-driven world, I believe it is all the more important to carve out time to get outside and reconnect ourselves with nature. Whether it’s a walk in the park or a hike in the mountains, spending time in the great outdoors has numerous benefits for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Recently, I’ve been exploring the importance and benefits of getting out in nature and how it can improve our lives. I narrowed down the top reasons for you below: Physical Health It’s no secret that any type of movement can be good for our physical health. However, getting outside has added bonuses. Outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and swimming provide excellent opportunities for exercise and help improve cardiovascular health, build strength, and increase flexibility. Additionally, the exposure to sunlight Let’s face it. With the weather transitioning from one season to another, it’s important to do whatever we can to help our immune system combat sicknesses. Mental & Emotional Health One of the significant effects of spending time in nature is its added benefits over one’s mental and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. What else? Exposure to natural surroundings proves to have a calming effect on the mind! The reason for this is linked to the sound and smell of nature, both of which reduce tension and promote relaxation. This correlates to what I wrote about last week regarding the importance of brain health. Connection with Others Though it’s great to have “me time” and days or nights at home, it’s also important to spend time connecting with others. Being outside is one of my favorite ways to do just that! Plus, there’s countless activities that me and my loved ones can choose from, such as camping, fishing, or even just walking together. I recognize my father-and-son hikes and camping expeditions as one of the main strengtheners of my relationship with my family—in this case, with my son. A personal favorite memory of mine is reaching the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro with him when he was in college. We bonded together by helping one another through difficult parts of the trail and complaining that we just wanted to eat a real meal once the hike was complete. My main point here? No matter who you spend time with outdoors, being outside will provide you with opportunities to foster a sense of belonging and connectedness. — Overall, getting outside is one of the most essential parts to maintaining a healthy and well-balanced life. Whether it's walking in the park or backpacking for a trip in the wilderness, reconnecting with nature provides numerous benefits in our lives. Besides, with the coming of spring, there truly is no excuse for us to simply remain indoors. So, prep yourself up and get ready to go outside once again!. I hope you find today’s topic helpful and insightful! Feel free to leave a comment or share a personal story where spending time in nature helped improve your overall well-being. !     Follow us on LinkedIn.