Play Outside for Good Health and Good Mood

We are enjoying some warm weather in central Texas, which is a great time to get all the benefits of spending time outside. No matter your age or fitness level, you can find ways to play outside.

It is important to get sunlight into your eyes as soon as possible after waking up in the morning. This begins a cascade of good hormones that are released by your pituitary gland to set your circadian rhythm for the day. Getting outside in the morning is one of the first and most important things you can do to get a good night of sleep. If you are feeling tired, it is enough to simply sit on a chair and let the sun shine into your eyes, enjoying the feeling of the warmth and the light. This provides your body with an opportunity to enjoy meditation, simply by feeling the sunlight on your face and skin.

Here are some other fun outdoor activities for adults:

Skip stones by the lake, which involves squatting down to pick a stone and turning your waist to throw the stone.

Walking heel to toe along the edge of your yard, pretending it is a balance beam. This helps with balance and bilateral coordination.

Play hopscotch, or modified hopscotch, with feet apart and together, instead of jumping into a one footed hop.

Pick out some recyclables and fill a few bottles with water at the end of your driveway.Take a ball and play a home bowling game.

Whatever your favorite outdoor activities may be, find ways to play and enjoy time in nature.