Moments for Outdoors

Here are 5 quick things you can do to supercharge everyday outdoor activities by bringing an elevated level of consciousness to them, seeing and experiencing the world in a whole new way.

	No 1: Look up! The surprising joy of raising your gaze. When we look upwards we change our patterns of thought - disconnecting from our internal dialogue and connecting with creativity and memory. In the UK, a great way to practice this is to look at chimney pots as you walk. 1) As you walk, instead of looking down (which we do most of the time), direct your eyes upward. 2) See what you spot that you've not seen before. Chimney pots, trees, what else do you notice? 3) Take a moment to see how you feel. Looking up has an amazing ability to make us cut out self talk and feel better. So simple!
	No 2: The Smile Did you know that a smile, genuine or not, offers benefits for your health, your mood, and even the moods of people around you. Research from the University of South Australia shows how smiling stimulates a positive neurological reaction. Challenge yourself today to push past the anxiety and uncertainty, and smile at a stranger - it'll make both of you feel better!
	No 3: A Colourful Life Don’t know how to do mindfulness? This is a foolproof exercise to get you started - all you need is your favourite colour in mind. Alex shares our colour based mindful challenge in this video. Check it out here! Taking a Moment to engage your mind in some brief mindfulness will allow you to slow your busy mind and ground yourself.
	No 4: Disconnect to Reconnect "Disconnect to reconnect" is about disconnecting from the always-on, notification filled lives we live, and reconnecting with ourselves. A shortcut for this is to turn off your phone, just for a short while, or if you’re brave enough, LEAVE IT BEHIND! 😱 1) Choose a window of time where you know you won't be disturbed, and let anyone who may contact you know that you're unavailable. 2) Notice the relief you feel when the constant pinging of notifications and meaningless scrolling stops. 3) Take in your surroundings and connect things you would've otherwise ignored. Giving yourself brief Moments throughout the day to disconnect will actually help your concentration and motivation in the long run!
	No 5: Play a game It's an oldie but a goodie - I SPY. Playing this game pulls you into the present Moment and gives you a break from the everyday hustle and bustle. Play with kids of see if you can get a bit abstract with adults. 1) Embrace your surroundings: bring your attention to what's around you. Focus on what you see. 2) Look and tell: playing games like this brings you into the present Moment and lets you communicate with those around you; bringing a shared experience of the present and a real sense of connection.