When did you last play outside?

As kids, many of us spent entire days outside riding bikes, jumping through sprinklers or just watching the clouds. But when was the last time you played outside as an adult?

Many of us are too busy to spend hours a day outside. But Julie Manuel, clinical program manager at Kettering Health Behavioral Medical Center, said that even just five minutes can drastically improve our well-being.

Mindfulness

One benefit of being outside, Manuel said, is connecting with the world around us.

“We are a fast-paced society, and most of us are in front of screens all day long,” Manuel said. “We’re trying to engage people in becoming more present.”

Manuel encouraged us to spend time in nature to engage our senses. Ask yourself, “What are two things I can see? Two things I can hear? Two things I can smell?”

This is known as mindfulness — a term that might sound complicated, but it’s as simple as being aware of the moment you’re in.

“What’s great about mindfulness activities and reconnecting with the outdoors,” Manuel said, “is that it gives you the intention to become aware of your surroundings and slow down.”

Sensory overload

Do you ever feel irritated because there are too many sounds around you or that the fluorescent lights in your office are overwhelming?

This is known as sensory overload — the overstimulation of one or more of the senses. And it can cause mental and physical fatigue as well as muscle tension. These symptoms often make it difficult to function productively and positively.

“That begins to cause dysfunction in our lives,” she said. “Then we start to have symptoms of anxiety and maybe depressive symptoms.”

Sometimes all it takes to reduce sensory overload is to remove yourself from the environment causing it. But when that isn’t enough, Manuel said sitting in the sunshine and fresh air can help.

Make exercise fun

Exercise is good for physical and mental health, and Manuel encouraged us to find ways to get outside in nature as much as possible.

Whether it’s cycling, hiking or kayaking, find something that brings out your inner child. We often take life too seriously. Let go and embrace playing outside.

“I’m a big proponent of joy,” Manuel said, “and I think being outside can bring that joy.”