Beating Stress by Stepping Outside

By Donna Stark

Stress is something that everyone has to deal with at some point or another, but it is also something that, with a little time and effort, can be significantly reduced. And although there are many ways that you can decrease the stress in your life, the best way is to take a step outside. That's right! If you want to reduce the stress in your life you should seriously consider stepping outside for some fresh air, Vitamin D, and physical activity. Nothing could be better for your overall health and wellness!

The Great Outdoors and Stress

Getting some help from Mother Nature is always a good idea, no matter what you are stressed about, and it's also one of the easiest things to do! Your time outdoors doesn't have to be an extreme adventure (who needs that extra kick of adrenaline anyway?), it just needs to be soothing to your soul. Take a look at the following outdoor activities that will calm your spirit and melt your stress away.

• Yoga - Skip the hot studio and head outdoors where the grass is soft and the air is clean. In addition to being one of the most effective ways to reduce stress and ease muscle tension, outdoor yoga can also provide all the health benefits that come from the sun. 
• Gardening - Who doesn't love to play in the dirt? Take yourself to a new level of enjoyment by designing and planting a garden. Gardening helps reduce stress and anxiety, provides a sense of purpose, and promotes creativity, but the best part about taking care of those beautiful plants and flowers is the bounty of treasures you'll end up with! Just imagine how good it will feel to share all the flowers, vegetables, and fruit you worked so hard to take care of.
• Walking - Just the simple act of taking a daily walk can do wonders for your overall physical health but let's not dismiss the magic it can do on your mental health as well. Walking can be very meditative. You can use the time to reflect, think deeply, and sort out all the issues on your mind. Walking is also a good way to loosen your muscles and ease any tension that is found in the body.

The Enemies of Stress

It's time to say goodbye to the stress that is inflicting so much negativity in your life by saying hello to its worst enemies ... physical activity and Mother Nature. The more active you are and the more time you spend outdoors will leave you with a better outlook and an improved quality of life. So, what are you waiting for? You know what you need to do!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Denver, Colo.