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How getting outside can help you (and your mind) get fit

Embrace the Outdoors: How Nature Nurtures Your Body and Mind.

Being in nature can be one of life’s simple pleasures. Lying in a shaded spot in a park, feeling cool blades of grass against our skin, catching a breeze with the scent of spring. Whether we live in a crowded city or on a remote farm, we all have the ability to experience the great outdoors. And when we do, moving our body can be good for us, too. Studies have shown that simply walking outside (compared to a treadmill inside) can bring us more joy.

Why being outside is good for your health

Many of us can relate to feeling better once we’re able to step outside and take a deep breath. It turns out that breathing in outdoor air can do more for our health than we might realize. Research shows that stress levels can decrease significantly after spending just 15 minutes out and about in green spaces. What’s more, the benefits of green spaces extend all the way to helping us live longer: one study found that participants who lived closest to large amounts of green spaces or areas of vegetation — including in urban green areas — had a 12% lower mortality rate than those who did not.

Bringing a sense of awareness when we’re outside — whether running on a trail in a forest or walking down a bustling city street — is an opportunity to slow our mind and bring our attention to what we’re experiencing in the moment. Outside, we’re able to decreased stress and gain a better ability to focus. 

When we’re mindful, we’re not walking around lost in thought; we are present, observing our surroundings, in terms of the sights, sounds, and smells around us and how they make us feel. We are, in short, more connected to the world around us. 

The benefits of outdoor activities

While spending time outside is beneficial on its own, these physical activities can help both body and mind thrive:

  • Walking.

One study found that people who walk have lower stress levels. And when we focus our attention through a walking meditation, we’re able to take it one step further, literally — bringing body and mind in sync to train our mind in awareness while we move.

  • Running.

Research shows that when we run outside, we flex our ankles more, vary our movements, and use different muscles than we would on a treadmill. Running outside doesn’t only have benefits for our body, but for our mind, too. Unlike a treadmill where we run in place, running outside forces us to focus on our next steps and obstacles in our way to get us to the finish.

  • Gardening.

Exercise isn’t the only option for reaping the health benefits of spending time outside. Gardening is another way to focus our attention on what we’re experiencing outdoors, specifically the beauty, change, and growth that a garden shows us. Caring for a garden can also be an exercise in gratitude, a practice that can lead us to an overall sense of happiness and well-being.

In a world filled with hustle and bustle, reconnecting with nature is our chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and savor the simple joys of the great outdoors. Whether it’s a leisurely walk in the park, a refreshing run along a forest trail, or the therapeutic act of gardening, nature offers us more than just scenery. It’s a natural remedy for stress, a path to heightened awareness, and a gateway to a healthier, happier life. So, step outside, embrace the green spaces, and let the wonders of nature nurture your body and soul. Your well-being will thank you for it, one step at a time.

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Unplug24
Join us in going off social media for a day on 24 October. 

Next Friday, on Friday 24 October, we are joining Unplug24, a 24-hour break from social media in solidarity with SmackTalk – an organisation founded by local Wayne Holdsworth to honour his son, Mac, and raise awareness around suicide prevention.

Unplug24 encourages us to step away from social media and reconnect offline to:
🔌 Protect mental health
🔌 Raise awareness to prevent suicide
🔌 Support vital education and awareness programs

Last year, more than 134,000 people took part, proving that sometimes the most powerful connection is offline. This year, SmackTalk is aiming to reach over a million participants in Australia and around the world.

Let’s join together and unplug from all social media for the day – at work and at home – to show our support for this important cause.

Register to join now: https://www.unplug24.smacktalk.com.au/ 

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Celebrate National Children's Week with a fun day for under 5s! 

Join our 'More People Can Swim' Team on Wednesday 22 October  at Jubilee Park Stadium, where we will be running important, interactive water safety activities for children and parents as part of Frankston City Council's Children’s Week Celebration Event! 

This year’s theme is “Everyone should know about Children’s Rights”. 

 🗓 When: Wednesday, 22 October 
 📍 Where: Jubilee Park Stadium, 83R Hillcrest Rd , Frankston Vic 3199 
 ⏰ Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm 

The event is free but numbers are limited so please RSVP via this link below: 
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1425350
Restart a Heart Day at PARC this Saturday ❤️💙

Join us this weekend, on Saturday 18 October, for Restart a Heart Day, a vital community event that raises awareness about cardiac arrest and empowers people with lifesaving CPR skills. 

Hosted by Monash University Paramedicine, this educational pop up in PARC's foyer will help build a safer, more prepared community.

Did you know that only 1 in 10 people survive a cardiac arrest? Most cardiac arrests happen in the home, so learning how to act fast could save the life of someone you love. Restart a Heart day will teach you how to respond in just three simple steps: CALL, PUSH, SHOCK.

Drop by PARC on Saturday morning between 9am – 12pm to learn from paramedics and paramedic students, who will be on hand to guide you through these critical steps and boost your confidence in delivering CPR. 

Every minute counts when restarting a heart – let’s work together to improve survival rates!

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By participating in the survey, you will help us to improve our services, facilities and programs here at PARC. 

This survey should take around 10 minutes to complete and is open until Sunday 26 October. 

COMPLETE OUR SURVEY: Link in bio

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✨ Member Spotlight - Anca Anderson ✨

Meet Anca - a passionate runner with the ambitious goal of completing all 7 major world marathons. She has already completed London and Sydney and now her eyes are set on her next major marathon! Anca has been a member at PARC for 10 years and credits her PARC fit run club peers for all their encouragement and support.

When Anca isn't conquering the world she promotes health and wellbeing as the founder of her own supplement brand and believes its important to be proactive with your health.

Well done Anca! 

Check out our blog to learn a bit more about Anca’s journey - https://peninsulaleisure.com.au/news/member-spotlight-anca/

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