Research shows that there are significant benefits to daily fresh air and natural sunlight. As little as 10-30 minutes of time in our natural world alters our brain chemistry and triggers serotonin which reduces physiological stress. Fresh air can bring about cognitive energy restoring our attention and cognitive flexibility.
Reading, fishing, backyard yoga, walking or hiking looking at the shoreline or wind in the trees can be calming and helps to regulate emotions. Allowing prefrontal cortex restoration which improves working memory. Nature, specifically blue and green spaces can reduce heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol which reduces stress.
BETTER SLEEP Natural sunlight for 10-20 minutes within 1-2 hours of waking helps to set your circadium rhythm and rests your brain to produce higher levels of melatonin 14-16 hours later, making it easier to fall asleep. Remember no sunglasses or looking directly at the sun. Lastly, 10-15 minutes of twilight helps buffer your brain against the disruptive effects of artificial light screen use in the evening. Remember to give yourself a break from screens 30 minutes prior to bed to give your brain the space it needs to ready for a restful sleep.
So.....Nurture yourself in nature.
Resources: Mayo Clinic and The National Library of Medicine
Jocelyn Gallagher
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