» Getting fitted for outdoor healing with Mother Nature
Getting fitted for the outdoors
IRONICALLY, LOCKDOWN has led to some very positive changes with many people spending more time exercising and being outdoors.
Formerly, access to the outdoors might have been limited to an hour a day, and the ability to take a stroll and walk the dog became a privilege and a precious and eagerly anticipated time of the day. Now it has become more enjoyable because freely available.
People with a previously busy schedule would have to fit in the time to go to the gym or yoga classes, while others kept a jogging or cycling routine to keep in shape. Thus a new appreciation for nature has evolved along with the pleasure of exercising in the great outdoors.
Online channels sprang up on YouTube and Zoom with yoga, Pilates, and every kind of workout classes, which were taken up eagerly by grateful participants, and which also gathered many newcomers to attend these virtual gatherings.
With the time and energy efficiency of this “at home” practice, many intend to continue to exercise this way. The yoga mat has found its way into the gardens and balconies, where possible, to enhance the health benefits of the fresh air and sunshine, plus the delight of a spring blossom-scented breeze.
Gymgoers who’ve discovered the pleasure of walking and running outdoors also say they will continue to include this habit going forward, for their cardio workout, along with going to the gym for weights and sparring.
A Harvard study has associated low blood levels of vitamin D with higher risks of everything, from heart disease, diabetes, cancer and respiratory disease as well as mood disorders and dementia. Shocking statistics state that 70 percent of Americans have insufficient levels of vitamin D in their blood while 40 percent are deficient.
Vitamin D is called the “sunshine vitamin” due to the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D from sun exposure.
The darker one’s skin the more exposure is required and apparently African Americans have half as much in their blood than white Americans. Foods rich in vitamin D are dairy products, fish, especially oily fish, egg, almonds and tofu.
Old-timers know all about the health benefits of fresh air and children used to be shooed out of the house to play and roam come rain or shine, to maintain a robust constitution and also to keep them out of the way before we had screens to occupy them.
Oxygen boosts the efficacy of all the body’s organs by cleansing the blood, especially when circulation is increased through activity. Apart from the obvious lung and heart health benefits, it is essential for brain function and alleviates mood disorders.
Blessed with the abundance of sunshine and fresh air, Taoseños already indulge in the great outdoors, spoiled for choice in outdoor activities and adventures, set in New Mexico’s unparalleled and diverse beauty.
Re-Threads consignment store, at 302 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, has a smart selection of outdoor equipment and
is “dedicated to making the spectacular outdoor experiences around Taos affordable and accessible” Hiking, biking, swimming, golfing, tennis, camping and rafting, the store’s good-as-new kit comes in all sizes, including kids’ hiking shoes, backpacks, wetsuits and biking accessories. Come winter, a large selection of ski wear, boots and skis are there just waiting for the next snowfall.
Gently used casual wear is also perfect attire for most outdoor activities and Re-Threads is well stocked with suitable jeans, shorts, shirts and light jackets, well displayed for easy browsing and finding the right size.
Alongside is a kaleidoscope of color and style in the eclectic collection of dresses, handknits and every imaginable garment and accessories for all occasions.
For the man who hates clothes shopping, this is the quick and easy one-stop store to find practically anything he needs.
We enthusiastically embrace the defense measures required to mitigate the contagion of COVID-19 by social distancing and wearing face coverings and masks, so surely it is incumbent upon us to maintain good health for ourselves, our family, our community and our economy – and Mother Nature is our greatest healer.