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Getting Outdoors: A Great Way to Take a Break in Play

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Getting Outdoors: A Great Way to Take a Break in Play

[IMAGE] Getting Outdoors: A Great Way to Take a Break in Play

National Great Outdoors Month is a month-long celebration held in June to encourage Americans to enjoy public lands and waters. If you’re concerned about your gambling or that of a loved one, it can mean so much more. Stepping outside and spending time in the great outdoors is not only enjoyable but is also healthy for the body, mind, and soul.

Many of us spend way too much time indoors watching television, gaming, and gambling. While it’s likely hard to imagine your daily routine without the conveniences afforded by modern technology, it works to keep you indoors and disconnected from nature. Getting outside will take you away from the stressors caused by gambling. Fresh air, walking on grass, and feeling the wind and sun on your face are all beneficial for you. Best of all, you can do it for free! If you are struggling under the weight of financial stress from gambling, read on.

A great exercise is to think about what you can do in a minute. You would be amazed at what can be accomplished within one minute. It is actually a long time. Then think about what you could do in five minutes, one hour, half a day, or a day. Can you go for a walk? Can you ride your bike? Go to the beach? Go visit someone you haven’t seen in a while – because you have been spending too much time gaming or gambling?

Part of this break in play can be social, like spending time with family and friends. Go to the park and have a picnic lunch. Feel the grass under your feet. There is something called “earthing” (also known as “grounding”), where you walk on the earth in your bare feet. You know how great you feel after a day at the beach walking in the calming waters, smelling the fresh air and feeling the wind. Earthing and grounding are often used interchangeably in the context of making direct contact while connecting to the planet’s electrical charge, which is believed to have positive health benefits such as:

  1. Reducing stress
  2. Helping with sleep
  3. Reducing inflammation

So take a minute or an hour – or as much time as you can – outside in the great outdoors – or even better, spend that time with someone else! A break in play can mean taking that 20 minutes or two hours away from your screens, going outside, and just breathing in the fresh air. If you find you are unable to take a break in play because you can’t stop yourself from continuing to gamble, help and hope are always available.

If Gambling Isn’t Fun Anymore, 888-ADMIT-IT

If you’re worried about gambling, you are not alone. The 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine is available 24/7 for anyone in Florida seeking free, confidential help and resources for problem gambling. Whether you’re struggling yourself or concerned about a loved one, calling or texting 888-ADMIT-IT connects you to counseling, financial resources, peer support, self-exclusion programs, and so much more – all at no cost.

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