The unexpected March sunshine seemed to lift the mood of the nation. At lunchtimes the parks are filled with usually cooped-up office workers, with some are even relocating their meetings from boardroom to the boardwalk.
Why not try your next team meeting in the park?
Given both anecdotal and scientific evidence about the benefits of sunshine, this is an entirely sensible idea:
- It is easier to generate ideas, solve problems and work creatively in an environment where the view is always changing.
- Sunlight on our skin helps us to produce vitamin D, which is not only responsible for good bone health but also boosts our immune system, and has been linked to healthy brain aging, maintaining a healthy body weight, protection against low levels of radiation, and in some instances protection against some cancers.
- Being outdoors improves our mental state – time spent being close to and observing nature is recognised as a remedy for depression.
- Natural light overcomes the winter blues known as SAD.
- Sunlight will stimulate the appetite, improving digestion and metabolism.
- Sunlight increases the production of endorphins and serotonin in the brain which will enhance your feelings of wellbeing.
- Getting enough sunlight during the day can improve your sleep by increasing melatonin output at night. Melatonin is a natural hormone which enhances sleep and slows down the aging process.
- The ultraviolet rays in sunshine act as a natural antiseptic which can kill viruses, bacteria, moulds, yeasts, fungi, and mites in air, water, and on different surfaces including your skin.
- Plus our circle of social connections expands as we reconnect with neighbours over the garden fence or opt to walk rather than drive to the shops.
These long bright days won’t last for ever, so if you would like to take your team off-site for an away day and bask in the glorious sunshine click here for some team activities to generate that feel good factor whatever the weather.
