As an outdoor enthusiast, I must say I have always felt that wind was my least favorite natural element. Snow, rain, sunshine, fog, love them all. But I would second guess my decision to go on a run or a hike when the wind kicked up. I have even been known to say out loud that I love nature but I don't love wind.
Turns out, spending time outside when it is windy just might be good for us, according to Dutch research. And we need to take research on outdoor endeavors seriously from those in Scandinavian countries, as people in that part of the world tend to take being outdoors very seriously, as part of their well-being regimen. These countries also routinely rank very high on measures of overall well-being and life satisfaction, so.... let's look into this a bit more.
I have previously written about similar topics like the Japanse tradition of forest bathing (Shin-rin Yoku), and friluftsliv (Norwegian word, loosely translated into open air living). These are just two of several concepts that illustrate what the science of nature exposure tells us: getting outside is good for our body AND our mind. Nature exposure helps us strengthen our immune system, improve our mood and sleep, increase our stress tolerance and resilience, heighten memory and creativity... and the list goes on even further!
But, what I recently learned is that spending time intentionally in the wind has its own unique outcomes. The Dutch call this practice "uitwaaien", which loosely translates to 'out blowing'. Typically practiced uitwaaien activities include walking and bike riding.
I don't know about you, but I have always enjoyed the feeling of riding through the air on a bicycle or motorcycle. However, I have, as I previously mentioned, never really enjoyed trying to hike or run in the wind. Those seem qualitatively different to me, and I don't know that I will enjoy hiking or running in windy weather, even if I know it has benefits for me. There is something about the way the wind takes your breath away that just is not pleasant as a runner. And the extra effort necessary to run into the wind--- well, no thanks. But, I will say I still love a good bike ride, wind rushing past my face and body (Side note: My husband and I just got a tandem bike, and it is so much fun!).
According to some researchers in the Netherlands, many people who practice uitwaaien report feeling as if the experience clears the mind and refreshes the body. Sounds like what we need right now, right?
Researchers have long known that spending time in nature is essential to living a good, healthy, and satisfying life. It goes beyond being 'happy'. The science is clear. Spending time in nature is crucial to our existence. And how we spend that time outdoors can vary, with some similar outcomes, like stress reduction, feeling energized, improved mood and sleep. In other ways, we know that variations in those outdoor experiences can result in different outcomes. For instance, spending time in or near green space is qualitatively different than spending time near blue (water) brown (desert, dirt), or white (snow) space.
Feeling the breeze or wind off the ocean as you stare out into the while blue abyss is calming, while breathing in the scents in green space, from trees, for instance, is more likely to elicit feelings of hope and optimism as you realize you and your problems are small compared to the wide expanse of the natural world around you. We also know that many trees and plants release phytoncides, antibacterial and antimicrobial substances into the air, which we then breathe, providing us with boosts to our immune function, reductions in stress hormones, increases in anticancer protein production, and a general feeling of relaxation. Sounds pretty good, right?
So for today, during these incredibly stressful times, I am going to prescribe to you a healthy dose of wind. If you live in a cold wintery climate, bundle up and get outside in that wind! If you, like me right now, are in a warmer climate, step outside and into the wind. Breathe it in!
Expel all the stress you are feeling and enjoy the wind. Maybe you can hop on your bike for a little ride, too. If not, a windy walk is still a possibility, I hope. Enjoy!
As always--
Be well, stay safe, and take care.
Interested in more reading on these topics, click on these links (these are easy reads, based on scientific research):
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