If you’re like me, winter weather really affects my mood. I’m not a big snow fan, so I tend to hibernate.
However, I know it’s not great for my health. That’s why I’m so happy to be enjoying the warmer weather and more opportunities to get outdoors!
Study after study have shown the true power and benefits to our mental, physical and emotional health when we spend time outside in nature. But if you’re like many people (myself included), you spend a large part of your life sitting at your desk at the computer, watching TV, skimming or checking your smartphone, or indoors doing ‘chores’.
Studies have shown that screen time is associated with increased fatigue, depression, anxiety, ADHD in children, and poor concentration. Sound familiar?
Did you know that sunlight has energizing vitamin D which has been shown to boost mood, calm the nervous system and improve issues such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?
Being in nature also keeps you present and focused on the now. It gives you the opportunity to connect with the sights, sounds and smells that surround you, grounding you in the present moment instead of being stuck in the past or worried about the future.
When was the last time you literally stopped and smelled the roses? Enjoyed the beauty of the petals? Saw the strength of the thorns?
Being outside you are also exposed (without you even knowing it!) to unseen elements that are positively affecting your brain and body, like negative ions that improve our immune system and relax our body – as opposed to the positive ions that are emitted from electronics that can wreak havoc on our system.
I know how much being in nature calms, connects, and destresses me — I’d like to encourage you to do it too! Studies all over the world are showing that the closer you live to some greenery, the better your health and the lower your stress. You may not live in the woods, but green space can include neighborhood parks, gardens, or even just grassy areas, so you don’t have to drive to a nearby forest or mountaintop. Research your own neighborhood and find where the parks are and spend some time there or start your own garden.
Whatever you choose to do, be in nature mindfully. Take some time to pause and be. Appreciate how nature ebbs and flows, renews and rests, and how it just is.
Self Care is about giving yourself what you need. You don’t need more screen time. You need more green time!
Today’s challenge?
Get outside for at least 15 minutes today — even try for 5 if that’s too much!
Take a walk, go to the park, dig in your garden, or just sit and smell the roses.
Observe your body and how it’s feeling. Are you feeling calmer? Happier? More energized?
Notice the positive effects? Next?
Make a plan to incorporate more time outside this week. Take your laptop outside, have your coffee on the porch, call a girlfriend for a walk. Whatever you do, just GET OUTSIDE!
As I’m writing this… it’s also a reminder to myself! It’s a beautiful day, time to get out and enjoy it! Nature nurtures my body, mind, and spirit. It can for you too!
Want to take your nature up a notch? Join us for one of our Soul Full Camp weekend retreats. Connecting you back to nature, yourself, and to some amazing like-minded women!