I’ve been reminded frequently over the past few weeks just how important it is to take a break once in a while. I’m not talking about taking a vacation, although that’s necessary as well. What I’m seeing the need for is for brief breaks throughout the day to help you stay effective.

I don’t know if you are like me, but once I get into a zone of productivity, everything else takes a back seat. Once I get into the swing of a project, I will continue working on it until I finish, or until I must shift gears to something else. I’ve been known to skip lunch or stay late at my desk, or even stay awake half the night, simply because I’m on a roll.

That’s great for productivity.

But it’s not so great for my health, physical or spiritual.

The need to take a break is an essential part of our being. We were created to rest; we need to stop and slow down occasionally.

Experts say that sitting behind a desk all day long is killing us. We are told that our culture is becoming increasingly lethargic and we lack the basic exercise we need. We have a need to stop and take a break once in a while.

I do this in a couple of different ways. When I’m at work, I set a timer using the pomodoro technique. This allows me to get up and stretch my muscles regularly, getting the blood to flow like it should. Even though it interrupts my work flow, I find that I am more effective because of it. In order to facilitate this, I’m considering purchasing a Garmin Vivofit.

But another way I make sure I’m taking a break is by getting outdoors, at least several times a week. Being out in the midst of God’s creation has an incredible effect on our lives, physically, mentally and spiritually. Nature has a way of strengthening our ability to concentrate.

Heading outdoors is critically important.  Here are a few simple benefits that you gain by getting outside on a regular basis:

• Being in nature can lower your blood pressure.
• Nature can help keep depression at bay.
• Spending time outdoors can eliminate stress and fatigue.
• Some studies indicate that being outside can help prevent some forms of cancer.
• Being in nature raises levels of happiness, and creates positive moods.
• There are health benefits that come from being outdoors as well, including improved immunity and faster recovery times.

In my weekly routine, I try to get outside and walk a few miles several times a week. This has several benefits for my health, both physical and mental, but it even impacts my spiritual health.

I relax

This is perhaps the most important key. Even though I walk four or five miles each time, and I feel tired when I finish, I feel relaxed. The stress and tension of the day drains away somewhere during those miles.

I think

Spending time outside give me time to tackle some of the issues that life throws my way. I can work through these, processing my thoughts. Often I can come to some major decisions or insights while outside.

I pray

My walks take me through our small town on a circuitous route, and I can spend a lot of time praying for my family and friends, my church, and my community.

I listen

Often, I carry my iPhone and a set of earbuds with me. That way I can listen to a podcast or two while I walk, enjoying some spiritual nourishment from the likes of Timothy Keller, FamilyMan Todd Wilson, Cedar Creek Church, Dave Ramsey, Andy Andrews and more. Other times, if my brain is too tired to process something like this, I can just listen to some music.

I look

Living in the Ozarks, one of the best parts of spending time outdoors is the opportunity to see some beautiful scenery. Looking at the creation that is all around me prompts simple and spontaneous worship. I feel connected to God, and it gives me opportunity to enjoy his presence in and around me.

Even though it’s hot, and it has been rainy, I grab any chance I can get to get outside. Typically, I wait until evening, when it is cooler. This has the added benefit of allowing me to process my day as well. For me, trying to fit this into my morning routine isn’t really feasible, since I’m more mentally focused in the mornings, and spend that time in the Word and working on lessons or sermons.

However you do it, the key is to do it. We are quickly becoming a culture of little motion, and we are paying the price, in matters of physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual growth. Spending some time outdoors can be a tremendous benefit.

Question: What are your favorite outdoor activities? How does this help you physically, mentally or spiritually? You can leave a comment by clicking here.