How much of our lives are spent indoors? It's no surprise we sometimes feel boxed
in, when we step back and realize how much time we really do spend in, well, a box!
We jump from home into the car, and out of the car into the office. Hopefully we
catch a few gasps of fresh air between the parking lot and the front door before
we settle in behind our desks for the day. We grab lunch on the run between meetings,
or maybe right at our desks. By the time we head back home in the evening, and we
notice the sun is setting in the western sky, we wonder where in the world the day
went.
There was a time, before the industrial revolution, when most people spent the majority
of their days outdoors. For millions of years, our brains and bodies have adapted
to being deeply connected to nature. Unfortunately, many of us create lives for
ourselves that are cut off from anything natural, and then we're surprised when
we feel like there's something missing.
Though the boss may not look kindly on a request for a company field trip, we can
make time for nature in our daily routine. From early morning strolls to bike rides
to work, a little extra planning can afford us the time we need to reconnect with
life beyond the concrete jungle. Sometimes it's hard to justify the down time, but
our bodies thrive on nature: we're built for it!
We've all heard the cliché about stopping to smell the roses, but it's an oft-cited
phrase for a reason. Take a few minutes this week to stop, look and listen, beyond
your usual box. Your body will thank you for it.