The Benefits & Joys Of Spending Time Outdoors

There’s something unique about being outdoors absorbing the sunshine and seeing the beauty of nature that brings our focus back to the more important things in life. While spending too much time indoors can have the opposite effect.

Why is spending time outdoors so uplifting?

In a blog by Michael Hyatt titled, “Why Going Outdoors Makes You Smarter, Stronger, and More Spiritual”,  He states that spending time outdoors has the ability to mentally and physically rejuvenate us.

It turns out the reason is that nature is a stress killer, which offers a cascade of other benefits, including:

• Rejuvenated physical energy
• Faster physical recovery
• Reduced anxiety
• Reduced muscle tension
• Decreased stress hormones
• Heightened immunity
• Lower heart rate
• Decreased blood pressure
• Better cholesterol

We can look at these benefits like optional add-ons or upgrades to our lives. But the truth is they’re normative. We’re hardwired to spend time relaxing and resting, especially in natural environments.

Many of these benefits rebound to our mental health, of course, forming a virtuous circle.

We can look at these benefits like optional add-ons or upgrades to our lives. But the truth is they’re normative. We’re hardwired to spend time relaxing and resting, especially in natural environments.

Our locked-away, always-on, never-disconnecting way of living robs us of the rejuvenation God intended us to regularly experience.

What Nature Does for Your Spirit

To me, this is the most important. God created humans in the wild and placed us in a garden. We’re meant to live a substantial portion of our lives outdoors—and it’s a unique place to experience our Creator and restore our spirits.

“ Nature is God’s reset button for our minds, bodies, and spirits”.—Michael Hyatt

Hardwired To Interact With God & Nature Daily

“Relaxation for me is interacting with nature and with God daily.  It is where I also get direction and the most clarity.

Walking the dog recently around local bike tracks unplugged from anything digital woke up my senses to everything around me. I really enjoyed taking in the scenery.

The physical activity was non-strenuous and in my own company, there was time for me to reflect on the word and talk to God.  During that walk I thought about how there’s more to the simple visual pleasure we experience in witnessing creation at its finest.

Seeing the love of God in all that was created often has the effect of bringing me back to the reality of His Majesty and sovereignty over all things.  He has a purpose and a plan for my life, exceedingly better than what I can imagine.

With God, the future is an adventure that I look forward to!

Long country drives to places that I previously haven’t been to are usually met with lush green pastures and beautiful countryside. I crave being surrounded by the green grass; blue sunny skies and to watch waves pounding the shore line.

There’s so much joy in this relationship. I’m convinced that we are hardwired to interact with nature and with God daily.

If your body tells you that you need a break, the best thing to do is take it!”

Sandra Ciminelli
Cred.Dip.Couns.(Christian)

Pen With A View- Hard Wired To Interact With God and Nature Daily.

Where to Get Help

Talk to your doctor and see a mental health professional.
Visit CCAA to search for a Christian counsellor near you.
Visit ACA to search for a counsellor near you.

Studying at aifc

Have you thought about counselling?   It’s a great opportunity to learn how you can extend God’s love and grace to the hurting out in the community.

For those who would like to enrol in aifc’s accredited Christian counselling courses we have two intakes per year for courses commencing around the following months:

–The beginning of each year in February
-Mid-Year courses commence in July

Enrolment Season – opens approximately 2 months prior our courses commencing. Enquire now and fill out the form with your details to receive course information by email.  Enrol online here during our enrolment season.

Those living overseas can study aifc’s courses via our Distance Based Program.
The International  Student Program,  enables those with a student visa to Study On Campus in Sydney.

Note: A Master of Counselling course was introduced in 2018.

Contact aifc Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm with your enquiries on 6242 5111 or toll free on 1300 721 397