MY WELLNESS CRUSADE SERIES
Episode 1: Spending Time in Nature
We spend so much time indoors, focused on the busyness of our lives and disconnected from the earth. Executives likely spend a minimum of 6-8 hours indoors per day dedicated to work activities and considering commutes, evening work hours, and limited breaks, the total indoor time could be even higher, potentially reaching 10-12 hours or more for some executives.
Spending time in nature allows us to commune with other living beings and to find comfort in the nurturing embrace of Mother Earth.
By incorporating time in nature into their routines, C-level executives can gain from so many benefits:
1- Enhanced Cognitive Function:
-Reduced Stress and Mental Fatigue: Nature has a restorative effect on the brain. Spending time outdoors can lower stress hormones like cortisol, leading to improved focus, clearer thinking, and better decision-making.
-Boosted Creativity: Disconnecting from technology and the constant stimulation of urban environments allows for a shift in perspective and sparks new ideas.
2- Improved Leadership Skills:
-Sharpened Focus and Attention: Nature exposure can improve attention spans and reduce distractions.
-Enhanced Problem-Solving: Being in nature allows for a mental break, which can lead to a fresh perspective when tackling complex challenges.
-Increased Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Spending time outdoors can foster a sense of connection with the world around us, leading to greater empathy and emotional intelligence.
3- Overall Well-being and Resilience:
-Stress Management and Reduced Burnout: Disconnecting from work and technology allows executives to recharge and manage stress more effectively.
-Improved Physical Health: Spending time outdoors promotes physical activity, even if it’s just a walk
in the park
TIPS:
As a leader, you have a unique opportunity to champion the benefits of spending time in nature for your entire company. Here are some actions you can take:
-Lead by Example by being visible spending time outdoors: Take walking meetings, schedule outdoor brainstorming sessions, or encourage breaks with short walks around the office grounds. Seeing you prioritize nature sends a powerful message.
-Integrate nature in your company Culture:
Organize wellness initiatives: Host lunchtime walks, sponsor group hikes, or organize nature-based team-building activities during a wellness retreat.
Designate green spaces:
-Create a courtyard or rooftop garden for employees to relax and connect with nature during breaks and if possible, prioritize meeting spaces with natural light and views of nature to enhance well-being.
-In your company newsletter or blog: share articles and resources about the positive impact of spending time outdoors on mental and physical health. Feature stories about employees who enjoy outdoor activities and how it enhances their work life.
By implementing these initiatives, you can create a company culture that values employee well-being and encourages spending time in nature.
This can lead to a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce.
