There’s almost no better time than spring to start an exercise habit. After months of being indoors, we are drawn out by the warmth of the sun and compelled to break free from our human hibernation, though not without some resistance after a season prone to rest.
Inevitably, there is a seasonality in our physical activity levels. This is true even for those who maintain a routine year-round. But it’s the transition that can be rough.
There is discomfort in waking up sedentary muscles, discomfort in fluctuating spring weather, even discomfort with our discomfort. What we all need is a whispering wind to talk us through it.
Wind is an element common in spring when the temperature variations create high- and low-pressure systems, which force the movement of air. There’s no avoiding it unless you stay trapped indoors.
You might find it interesting to know that in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where the elements of nature are reflected in human health, environmental wind generates movement and produces change internally, too. Take all the motivation you can find!
TCM also suggests that wind penetrating the pores of your skin can aggravate the liver, which is associated with feeling anger (in case you wondered why being in the wind is aggravating). An unfamiliar concept in the philosophies of Western medicine, but perfectly logical in systems rooted in holistic health.
Remedy wind invasion with a light scarf and jacket, because when you embrace the breeze, you get the sound of trees rustling or fallen leaves tumbling. This is the sound of nature. And nature sounds exert health benefits: It’s music to our ears and medicine for our soul.
A collaborative research study including Colorado State University, Carleton University, Michigan State University and the National Park Services, discovered that listening to nature sounds significantly relieved stress, lowered pain, induced positive affect (joy, confidence, enthusiasm, etc.) and enhanced cognitive performance.
I can’t promise it’ll be a breeze to increase your physical activity level. Or, that you won’t continually ask, “wind will the discomfort stop?” But, if you consciously redirect your attention to surrounding sounds as you walk through your neighborhood, along a trail or a county road, you may have a different, more pleasant experience.
Early birds and night owls (yay, bird chirps!), make good use of the beginning and end of the day when there are fewer human-made noises competing with nature, and less wind. What better way to prepare for or decompress after a big day.
Ease into physical activity. Most people quit because they start too hard, too fast. You don’t want to knock the wind out of your sails.
When starting, walk or jog at a pace just above easy. Walk against the wind for resistance. You’ll be surprised at how well nature can distract you from your discomfort.
This week has been perfect for after school/work walks in the neighborhood with my family. During one walk, I told my daughter about this column and she graced me with a reminder that movement is also good for digestion. I could tell by the sound of breaking wind.
Nicole Clark is director of La Plata County Extension Office. Reach her at nclark@lpcgov.org.
