I know that sometimes it's hard to motivate yourself to get outside the door but numerous pieces of research show that being outside for even a short time boosts mood.

If you want to know more about the link between light (and outside light is much better) and brain state take a look at www.hubermanlab.com and follow the link where he talks to Dr Samer Hattar about “using light to control brain state”.

First Step

Try taking your first hot drink of the day outside and stay there until you've drunk it. Leave your phone inside! If it’s cold; wrap up warm, if it’s raining; use an umbrella and if it’s hot; stand in the shade. After all you are only going to be there for a short time!

Take a moment when you go back inside to think about whether that was a good way to start that day. Promise yourself that you'll do it for a week and then check in with yourself – have you enjoyed those few minutes on your own outside?

Lots of Steps!

Going for a walk helps too. The exercise releases endorphins that causes us to feel better, the daylight boosts our mood and the rhythm of walking soothes our nervous system. Taking time on your walk to really take in your surroundings helps too. A good way to do this is to rest and notice 5 things that you can see, 4 things that you can hear, 3 things that you can smell, 2 things you can touch and 1 thing you can taste (please limit this to things that are safe to taste!). Actively paying attention to the sights around you helps still the mind and slow the chatter. You're giving your mind a distraction – it has to do some work, but not too much and so it rests from churning over the things which could be causing you anxiety.

Going for a walk with friends is a great way to catch up too. Good friends help us feel connected and protect against loneliness. If your friends are not into walking why not join a walking group. You may well find places you love and have never seen before while enjoying a good chat with people out for a stroll. Don’t feel that you have to be a seasoned walker to join these groups. Most organisations offer walks to suit all.

Walking on the Staffordshire Moorlands

If you're lucky enough to live in or close to the Staffordshire Moorlands there's a programme of walks for the Spring and Summer. These walks range from easier walks of about 3 to 4 miles long taking about 2-2.5 hours to walks that cover about 10 miles and take in some of the more difficult terrain in our area. The programme is organised by Austin who's really approachable and friendly. He can be contacted on 07421369600 or by email at austin@walkthemoorlands.co.uk.

The pdf of the programme can be downloaded here.

I hope to see you on a walk somewhere soon and that you enjoy the journey.