These are unprecedented times.
While we at Coolabah Turf are certainly not alarmists and do not want to buy into the hysteria that is taking over the world – we do take the health and wellbeing of our staff, friends, family and community seriously, and it is hard not to be concerned by the current situation we all find ourselves in.
As large gatherings are cancelled, travel bans put in place, potential closures of schools, self-isolation and other extreme measures of social distancing are being considered – our usual ways of operating are under threat.
And even the most relaxed person can’t help but feel a sinking sense of dread after walking down an eerily bare supermarket aisle or witnessing people fighting over basic staples like toilet paper and pasta.
But what if we chose to look at things in a different way?
According to The Ambition Plan – “Most of your stress comes from how you respond to a situation rather than the situation itself. Adjust your attitude and all that extra stress is gone.”
What if, in a time where it is easy to feel ‘out of control’, we find power in challenging ourselves to take control of the way we behave and respond to what’s happening. And what if, instead of operating from a place panic and fear, we chose calm, patience and kindness?
Just like we witnessed throughout our horrific bushfires - it is during these times of immense challenge where we have the opportunity to demonstrate our true character and perform real acts of human kindness.
Over the coming days, weeks and months we need to find new and creative ways to work together and support each other as we navigate the chaos and make sense of what is now unchartered waters.
In particular, we urge you to spare a thought for those most vulnerable within our community, like the elderly and chronically ill, and think about what this means for them and how you could help?
And if we try to turn this situation on its head, maybe – just maybe - this is a global message from the universe that we all need to slow down?
Instead of panic buying and feeding the fear, maybe we take this time as a ticket to relax, to reconnect with our family and give ourselves permission to drop all the usual expectations and societal pressures to ‘be everywhere’ and ‘do everything’ and just have a ‘staycation’ at home.
Because one thing that HAS NOT and WILL NOT be cancelled - is spending time outdoors in your own backyard.
A message we are getting loud and clear is - by remaining healthy you will significantly reduce your risk of becoming seriously ill from Corona virus (COVID-19).
This includes washing your hands, eating well, getting enough sleep, being active, reducing stress and spending time outdoors.....and of course being kind is also good for the global soul.
It’s no secret here at Coolabah Turf we love lawn!
But underpinning our core business to supply sustainable, watersmart, drought tolerant turf, is a passion to provide you with simple solutions to make the most of your patch - because we believe the humble backyard is the cornerstone for a happy, healthy and active lifestyle.
This rings true now more than ever and green spaces are going to play a pivotal role in fostering and encouraging health and wellbeing as we move forward.
But don’t just take our word for it. Spending time outside in green space is scientifically proven to improve our physical and mental health and wellbeing for the following reasons:
- Reduce Stress
Our fast-paced, modern society and the constant messages of fear, negativity and uncertainty in the media at the moment puts stress on our brains that evolved in more tranquil environments. Nature presents scenes that gently capture your attention instead of suddenly snatching it, calming your nerves instead of frazzling them.
Even just the sight of the colour green, is known for its calming properties and helps to reduce stress levels, which leads to lower levels of blood pressure across the board and a decrease in rates of depression.
- Promote Healing
When it comes to green space and physical health the evidence is profound, with a recent US study revealing that adults could reduce their blood pressure by simply spending just 30 minutes or more each week walking in a park.
For hospital patients even just looking at green space through a window has shown to speed the health recovery process and can help lower the risk of cancer.
- Fresh Air is Healthier
We all know that outdoor air is generally far less polluted than the air we breathe inside. Even in highly clean and sterile environments, you are far less likely to contract a virus outside in the open than when you are confined inside. So during this time be sure to try and spend as much time outside as possible - suck in that fresh air and give your lungs and immune system an instant boost.
- Strengthen Mental Health and Boost Immunity
Exposing yourself to the sun’s rays is one of the best ways to lift your mood as it helps your body produce much-needed vitamin D. Sunlight has also been shown to give the immune system a healthy boost, and aid with the release of the feel-good chemical, serotonin.
- Improve Brain Function
Spending time in natural settings has the power to improve your cognitive function. It’s been proven to replenish your ability to focus your attention, making it easier to switch off from negative thoughts and distractions and direct your attention to the things that really matter.
So, if you feel those negative thoughts taking over your brain, try taking a walk in nature, carve out some time in the garden, or spend an evening with your family around a backyard campfire, to really cleanse and clear your mind.
- Encourages Physical Activity
Spending time outside encourages you to be physically active – from playing with the dog, to climbing a tree - and also provides you with endless opportunities for entertainment (which could come in handy if the kids are required to stay at home for an extended period!)
Not to mention that lawn turf is the safest surface for outdoor leisure activities, games and sports, particularly for our children.
In the event of a lockdown even just pulling out the weeds, racking the leaves or mowing the lawn could provide the daily exercise for 18 to 65 years olds.
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So now (whether it be during forced or self-imposed isolation) is the perfect time to spend some down time in your backyard. And if your patch is in need of a little spruce up, installing an instant lawn landscape is the quickest, easiest and cheapest way to transform your outdoor space and create a safe haven to relax, reduce stress, be active and boost your immunity in these challenging times.
For more information about our lawn varieties and how to DIY while you self isolate - you can place an order online @ www.coolturf.com.au or call our friendly team on 1800 055 515 to arrange delivery to your door!!
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