The Power of Moving in Nature.

For the last three years I have been working with a group of epic people on a project called ‘Rise & Shine - Free Movement in Nature’, the goal of which is to bring free yoga and movement classes to the local community, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature.

The passion for the project grows each year and feels like with each passing year it’s becoming more and more important.

But, why movement in nature?

Easy, while our modern world is filled with screens and busy full-up diaries we have paradoxically become more sedentary and disconnected.

Most of us already know that movement is vital, not just for our bodies, but for our minds. We are also discovering that when movement happens in nature, the benefits multiply.

View from Roman Point - Home of Rise & Shine

Whether it’s a walk in the local park, a trail run or Yoga under open skies, moving the body outdoors is one of the most nourishing things you can do for overall wellbeing.

Here’s why - and what the science has to say about it.

Nature + Movement = A Double Dose of Medicine

It’s commonly known that movement supports health - from the heart boosting to mood regulation, studies are showing that when movement is combined with time in nature, the effects are amplified.

A 2020 study published in Scientific found that spending just 120 minutes a week in nature significantly boosts health and wellbeing. (White et al., 2019).

Now let’s imagine coupling that time with some mindful movement in nature - such as walking, stretching, breathing. it becomes a healing practice.

Reducing Stress and Enhancing Mental Clarity

Movement in nature as been shown to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. A 2015 article in Frontiers in Psychology concluded that “green exercise” defined as physical activity in natural environments - leads to greater improvements in mood and self-esteem when compared to indoor activity (Pretty et al., 2005)

This is more than just “feeling good”. Regular exposure to green space and gentle movement is increasingly being used as part of social prescribing for mental health in the UK.

Reconnecting with your Rhythms

Nature invites us to slow down and move with intention. Unlike the gym or a structured class, natural environments allow us to tune in, rather than zone out. We can truly notice how we feel, how we breathe, how the body responds to uneven ground or is affected by the wind.

It becomes a practice of presence.

Immunity and Resilience Boosting

Spending time in nature can also support the immune system. It has been found that Phytoncides the natural compounds released by tress - have been found to boost natural killer (NK) cell activity, which is an essential part of our immune defense (Li et al., 2008). They have also been found to be linked with lower cortisols levels and reduce inflammation.

Which means that being in nature isn’t just relaxing it’s vital for strengthening the bodies resilience at a cellular level.

At our core we are all cellularly connected.

How to Bring More Movement in Nature into Your Life

• Start small. Even 20 minutes outside can make a difference.

• Make it mindful. Notice how you breathe, your surroundings and how your body feels.

• Blend your practices. Combine walking with breathwork, or yoga with journaling outdoors.

• Listen to your cycles. Some days you might crave a run in nature, others to sit mindfully under a tree. Let your body guide you sometimes.

Rise and Shine in Nature with us.

If you feel ready to experience the vast benefits of moving in nature for yourself, you can join us for Rise & Shine a free movement in nature class every Sunday at 9am, starting 25th May at Ferry Meadows - Nene Park.

No booking is needed.

Just turn up, breathe deep and enjoy a nourishing grounding movement class surrounded by nature.

Classes are suitable for all bodies and movement experiences, if you want to come and give it a try we would love to see you there.

Nature will hold you and movement will awaken you.

Hope to see you on the mat soon.

Vx

PS - If you’d like to come and feel nervous about coming alone, please reach out and let us know, we’ll be happy to make you feel welcome even before you arrive. The whole Rise & Shine community are wonderful.