Is it time to break free from your comfort zone? Finding a new place to visit, choosing a different recipe to cook, or engaging in a different activity, trying something new, really can improve health. Similar to how lifting heavy weights strengthen muscles, making new memories can strengthen your resilience, reconnect your heart with joy, improve mental and emotional health, and give various positive physical health outcomes.
I have a new healthy hobby of my own - beekeeping. No one was more surprised that I became a beekeeper. It happened quite naturally, though, when my son and I bonded over bee videos on YouTube. Within my new hobby, I have experienced the physical benefits in that I have learned how to strengthen my back and use my core more effectively (each box of a hive can weigh up to 80 pounds!). Since I believe the bees can sense my energy, I only open the hive when I am feeling calm and centered, which has trained me to engage my breath differently and use varying meditative techniques. Let me tell you, it takes a different mind space for thousands of buzzing bees to be swirling around me during a hive inspection or collecting honey! Furthermore, by virtue of learning something new, I have forced my brain to think differently. Perhaps the most beneficial health outcome of taking up beekeeping is how it has inspired me to believe in myself more and how it has opened my eyes to the innate intelligence of our world.
Wondering where to start to get outside of your comfort zone? Know this, the health benefits are there whether you start on a smaller or larger scale. Trying something as small as brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand or driving a different route to a regular destination yields positive effects for sharpening brain functions. This is likely due to a process called neuroplasticity, which causes your brain to form new neural pathways.
Another hack to branching out from your comfort zone is to consider what brings you joy and excitement. Tired of drinking the same morning brew? Think of something new to drink upon waking. Do you love watching wildlife? Simply sit in your backyard and see what you notice crawling on the ground or flying in the air. Taking a bigger leap outside of your comfort zone may look like exploring a new park for your daily walk or trying a whole new activity that has piqued your interest but you have not before found the time or courage to try. Finally, it can be helpful to think about what brings meaning to your life and find ways to engage in that, such as volunteering, going back to school, joining clubs or engaging in new social circles.
For a majority of us, our normal routines involve being immersed in our computers or cellphones. While the benefits of these devices are appreciable, they also challenge our attention spans and our ability to experience joy in the beauty that surrounds us. Getting out in nature can reset our nervous and endocrine systems to support increased health. Most who read this live in beautiful Western Colorado. We could not be more blessed than to have the great outdoors at our fingertips. From experiencing nature in the desert landscapes, forested areas of mountains, to our beautiful parks and riverfront trails, opportunities to feel one with nature are endless.
Immersing yourself in nature is a surefire way to reap health benefits. Find a natural setting, such as a backyard, park, or hiking trail, to calm the body and mind and find relief from sensory overload. Being there (without your phone in hand) will increase your ability to focus more effectively and enhance your ability to experience joy.
Being outside naturally leads to increased physical activity which can reduce cortisol levels, boost cardiovascular health, increase Vitamin D levels which enhances immune function and mood. Additionally, taking in sunlight can act as your own personal battery pack by boosting energy levels and regulating sleep cycles.
Unable to get outside to experience a new physical adventure? Simply standing or sitting on the ground provides the health benefits of grounding, which connects your body to the natural electric charge of the earth. Doing so can reduce inflammation, ease the effects of stress on the nervous system, and improve sleep. You can also reap the benefits of having a new experience by simply using your imagination. That is because the brain and body respond identically to reality and to imagination.
So there you have it. Try something new, enjoy life, and explore the world around you. Your mind, body and spirit will thank you for it!
Immersing yourself in nature is a surefire way to reap health benefits.