It was a cooped-up kind of day. Lots of rain, an unexpected turn of events that prevented my outdoor time in the morning and all of a sudden it was 3:30pm and I hadn’t graced the outside with my presence since 8:30am during one of my kid’s quick school drop-offs (which doesn’t even really count).

The first breath is always the best

3:30pm.

Still raining?

Yup.

But I didn’t care. I rounded up the troops and out we went – boots, raincoats, splash pants and all! The rain can be so relaxing and refreshing if you have the right mindset about it.

I stood directly out in all of it. Pit, pat, pit, pat, pit, pat…I heard it drop over my hooded head. It felt good. Then I took my first big deep breath. It was bliss, just as it always is. Do you find that, too?

After a few minutes of standing, breathing and walking the street to find the biggest puddles to splash in, I felt like my best self again. My energy rushed back and I became reinvigorated.

Feeling sluggish? Unmotivated? Wigging out?

We all go in and out of sensations like this. But did you know they might actually be associated with too little outdoor, fresh-air time?

Listen to this.

The more fresh air you get, the more oxygen you inhale. This subsequently increases the amount of serotonin you in inhale (that’s the “happy hormone”) and you naturally feel happier. Fresh air has also been associated with improved blood pressure and heart rate, better digestion, cleansed lungs, a strengthened immune system, higher energy and a sharper mind.

No wonder I always feel better being outside, or right after, if I must go back in.

Make time for it

No matter how busy you are, no matter what the day ahead holds, plug in some fresh air time. Even if you can only make it happen for a few minutes, do it. Pay attention to how you feel before and after. Can you relate to any of the effects listed above?

For me, I get re-motivated, energized, focused, and a sense of calm in my body. To put it simply, I’m on the ball!