Today’s focus is ‘Being Active in Nature’. Engaging in regular physical activity helps to ease our worries. Not everyone needs to be a fitness fanatic to boost your wellness through activity. Simply step outside and exercise your green fingers. You could go for a walk or run, cycle or dance. Exercise can make us feel good. Most importantly, being active is about discovering a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness.
Nature Gym: Create a green gym trail or call out actions from a list of physical activities. These could include:
• X number of shuttle runs between trees, bushes or similar markers
• X number of jumps over sticks or driftwood – star, straddle
• X number of rotations around a fixed point, e.g. rock or tree
• X number of stretch ups from floor to above head, holding a straight stick in both hands
• X number of body twists with hands at either end of a suitable stick
• X number of jumps off a log, tree stump or rock
Animal Shapes: Find a relaxing space outdoors and think of your favourite animal. Create a pose that represents your chosen animal. Hold your pose and imagine that you are the animal. For example, if you were a bird you could imagine yourself flying over the treetops.
Walking meditation: Find a quiet outdoor space to be at one with God. Walk around the space and quietly observe your surroundings using your senses. Be mindful of what you can smell, hear, see and touch.
