Get outside on your work breaks
Being exposed to natural light, greenery and fresh air can help boost our mood when we’re feeling low. It’s also a great way to move our bodies, even if it is a gentle walk to the closest park or a stroll around the block. The chance to get some Vitamin D is also a positive.
Actions – Individual
On the way to and from work
- Take an unusual route and notice what looks different
- Take a walk through a park or leafy streets
- Observe the changing of the seasons
- Notice five things that are beautiful, unusual or pleasant
In your breaks
- Plant a tree, flowers or some seeds
- Take a moment to sit outside and get some Vitamin D in the sunshine
- Walk barefoot or lie on the grass
- Look at the sky and notice the colours and shapes in the clouds – you might even sketch them
- Listen for birdsong, running water or other sounds in your environment
- Visit a space that you find relaxing or meaningful
- Feel the cool of a breeze or the warmth of the sun on your face
- Explore your local area and take notice of new things
Set yourself up for success
- Get natural light early in the day
- Go outside and do something playful – walk, run, explore
- Each time you’re outside, use all of your senses to experience each sight, smell, sound
Actions – Organisation
Engage your staff
- Encourage staff to take breaks and step outside
- Share research and resources with staff about the benefits of getting outside
- Provide outdoor walking, meeting and sitting spaces
Activity Ideas
- What is Green Exercise and Should You Be Doing it? – Queensland Health
- Why Forest Bathing is Good for Your Health – Greater Good Magazine
Research
- Benefits of Walking, Hiking and Running In Parks – NSW Government, Office of Environment and Heritage
- Five Ways Nature Can Boost Your Mental Health – Psychological Health Care
- How Nature is Good for Our Health and Happiness – BBC
- It’s Official, Spending Time Outside is Good for You – ScienceDaily
- The Mental Health Benefits of Nature – Mindfulness & Clinical Psychological Solutions
- The Positive Effects of Nature on Your Mental Well-Being – PositivePsychology.com
- Spending at least 120 Minutes a Week in Nature is Associated with Good Health and Wellbeing Nature International Journal of Science
- We are Wired to Be Outside – National Geographic
- Why Being Near the Ocean Can Make You Calmer and More Creative – HuffPost Australia
- Why You Should Tell Your Team to Take a Break and Go Outside – Harvard Business Review
- 5 Ways Being in Nature Changes Your Brain, According to Science – Bustle
Resources
- Healthy Parks Healthy People South Australia 2016-2021 – Government of South Australia, Department for Environment and Water
TED Talks
- Get Hooked on Nature – Ben Klasky
- Get Back to Nature for Good Mental Health – Caroline Arnold
- Prescribing Nature for Health – Dr Nooshin Razani
- Want to be More Creative? Go for a Walk – Marily Oppezzo
- Those who are “Nature-Wise” Have an Edge in Today’s World – Ronna Schneberger
Downloadables
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