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You are here: Home / Get outside

Get outside

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

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