Head in the Clouds

Benefits of looking at clouds

Ever have those days where you’re feeling anxious or down? If you ever need a quick boost to your mood, simply go outside, relax, and look at the sky. Nature is a great way to boost your mood and clouds can spark your imagination to help you free your mind.

While looking directly clouds may be not be the source of lowering stress, the process and other activities involved have been proven to reduce stress. Getting outdoors and being in nature are linked to producing endorphins, lower blood-pressure, and can reduce inflammation.

Stanford did a studylinking hiking to lowering the risk of depression. The study found that people who walked 90 minutes outdoors opposed to those who walked in urban areas had reduced stress levels.

Another factor is the Sun. The sun produces vitamin D which is also known to provide health benefits. Using the sun for health reasons is a practice that dates back to ancient Greek times. Today we call medical practices using the sun heliotherapywhich gets its name from the Greek God Helios, the God of the sun.

While the sun is a benefactor for decreasing depression and anxiety it isn’t the only cause. Getting lost in the clouds can also do wonders for the mind. Daydreaming is a form of meditation. Whenever I sit outside and look at clouds I forget about the world around me. I look aimlessly into the sky and look for shapes that have formed above.

The best part about getting lost in the clouds is it’s free and can be done anywhere. Even if there aren’t clouds to look at go outside and relax. Relieve stress by soaking in the sun and breathing in fresh air. Let your mind rest and then go out and seize the day!