Simple 5-minute outdoor habits to cultivate
What's the story
Transforming habits can be tough, but bringing outdoor skills into your daily routine can make the process fun and fruitful.
Spending just five minutes a day on these activities can change your lifestyle significantly.
Here, we take you through simple outdoor skills that you can practice quickly and develop new habits to improve your well-being.
These activities can fit into any schedule, hence, they are for everyone willing to change for the good.
Awareness
Mindful walking
Mindful walking is basically paying attention to every step you take.
By concentrating on how your feet touch the ground and the rhythm of your breath, you develop awareness and presence.
This activity can reduce stress and improve concentration over time.
Spend five minutes walking slowly in a quiet outdoor space, letting yourself connect with the environment around you.
Observation
Nature observation
Spending time observing nature enhances mindfulness and appreciation for the environment.
Choose a spot outdoors where you can sit quietly for five minutes.
Focus on noticing details such as colors, shapes, sounds, or movements around you.
This practice not only sharpens observational skills but also fosters a sense of connection with nature.
Relaxation
Breathing exercises outdoors
Practicing breathing exercises outdoors marries fresh air with relaxation techniques.
Locate a comfortable spot outside where you can sit or stand still for five minutes.
Inhale deeply through your nose while counting to four; hold for four counts; exhale slowly through pursed lips while counting again up till four; then pause before repeating this cycle several times during those few moments spent outside.
Flexibility
Stretching in open spaces
Stretching outdoors not only helps you become flexible but also allows you to soak in nature at the same time.
It keeps you from being distracted by the indoors - screens, noise pollution, etc. that we are all surrounded by these days.
Make use of 5 short, yet effective moments every day to stretch different muscle groups in open spaces near home/workplace, whenever possible.