Rhythm of rest, work, and recreation equals recovery. Whether you fight fatigue, anxiety, depression, ill health or anything else, nature can be a key factor to healing and finding balance. One reason is our hormonal response to nature. High cortisol levels, which are caused by stress and which cause disease, increased blood sugar levels and visceral fat storage, decrease; and serotonin levels, which promote happiness and wellbeing, create restful sleep, control appetite and satiety, help blood clot and aid in memory, learning and attention, increase by spending time in nature. Many other benefits are derived, as well, from being in nature, as various factors interplay to create wellbeing and health.
Please take these suggestions as an invitation … step out into nature and take every opportunity you can to explore the benefits for your body, mind and emotions.
I write as a fellow explorer on the journey of life, not as an expert in any particular field of study, however I do have a background in horticulture and am an outdoor enthusiast so I do have some experience and knowledge worth noting. Because of my recent struggles, I have found these things to be very helpful. I have researched and done some homework on the science, but most importantly, I have chosen to live a life close to God and to nature, which He created so I have experienced the benefits firsthand.
Sun splashed living
We know that vitamin D is a vitamin that helps with serotonin, which helps with happy feelings. Taking time to be outside in the sunshine is a natural way to boost vitamin D and thus your mood. It also opens your senses and creates a healthier perspective for the rest of your day.
Grounding
Spending time outdoors gives you access to the power of the earth. Energy is infused into your body just by wriggling your toes in the sand or walking barefoot in the grass or sitting on a rock. This allows your body’s electrical system to function better and creates the ability for your body to heal itself more easily.
Water
The movement of water in streams, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and even fountains and water features releases negative ions into the atmosphere, which gives our bodies beneficial energy and causes us to feel happier and less stressed. The color, sounds and movement create calm, wellbeing and happiness.
Trees
As we all know, plants create oxygen and purify the air. When walking through a forest, one can literally feel the effervescent sensation of breathing in the pure air. There is also a calming feeling born by the synergy of trees and plants as they live together in harmony with one another. Even growing houseplants can help with air quality and reduce tension.
Color Therapy
Colors have wave lengths or frequencies that help our bodies heal and our souls be strengthened. Immersing ourselves in nature’s colors and textures relaxes our psyche and promotes wellness. It’s a mysterious phenomenon that science is still working to figure out. Research has shown that greens and blues are especially calming and centering. I would suggest that browns and grays speak to us of grounding and golds suggest warmth, happiness and wellbeing. Vibrant hues add splashes of celebration and life and increase energy and inspiration and mental processes. Color even helps detox the body, mind and emotions.
Sounds of nature and quiet
Bird sounds and the quiet whisper of leaves and sighing trees is a magical way to quiet one’s soul and slow your thoughts to help you reset and regain calm. It is an invitation to live in gratitude, peace and in harmony with the world.
Observing—bugs, creatures, plants
Observation builds respect for the world around us. Wonder and awe are overlooked in our fast paced society. When we regain wonder, it opens us up to joy in the mundane things we do everyday.
Hiking and other outdoor activities
Physical exercise is very important for vitality. Benefits of outdoor exercise like walking, hiking and other activities incorporate exercising the senses as well as the body. It creates lymph flow and increased endorphins, which create euphoria. It increases metabolism and blood flow and oxygen absorption and it supports the immune system. It also allows you exposure to all of the other benefits of nature that I have mentioned.
What are things that hinder you from spending time in nature? Intentionality can help us work through the things that deter us from getting outside. First, acknowledge what the factors are that hinder you and then problem solve and pray to move beyond them.
Weather—buy rain gear and warm winter clothing
Fear of bugs and ticks—take precautions like bug spray and long pants
Sensitivity to the sun—wear sunscreen, hat and long sleeves
Fear of dangerous animals and people—get pepper spray
Busy schedule—carve out “smoke breaks” to step outside
Physical limitations—find accessible trails; sit on your porch or in your backyard; get a bird feeder, fountain, flower pots, etc
No near or accessible green space or blue space—drive to parks or lakes; take a drive in the countryside; get art that depicts nature; listen to nature sounds and watch nature posts on YouTube
Distractions, laziness or no desire—make plans with friends; stay accountable
No one to do things with—join a club; do an activity through parks & rec
What are three things you can do this week to incorporate nature into your daily routine? Here are some suggestions:
Visit a nature preserve or state/national park
Go to the beach
Go boating
Take a hike
Stroll through a park or on a path in your neighborhood
Walk to the store or wherever you need to go
Take a drive in the countryside
Watch the bees on your flowers
Grow a garden
Open your window for some fresh air
Listen to the crickets from your porch
Take a walk with friends
Take five minutes to lay in the grass to look at the clouds
Sit on your deck or patio and sip iced tea
Get a fountain
Go camping
Have a cookout
Do aromatherapy with plant scents
Grow houseplants
Do yard work
Make bonsai or other living plant arrangements
Take a vacation to a beautiful location
Listen to birds
Visit a nursery or conservatory
Go birdwatching
Go fishing or hunting
Listen to frogs or ducks at a pond
Visit a forest
Sit near a lake or stream
Go rock climbing
Go paddling or paddle boarding
Go swimming
Go rafting
Go rock hunting
Generally, get outside and explore…your body and soul will thank you!
Having grown up in the Pacific Northwest, Natalie has a fierce independence and wild adventurous heart. Nat has always been a hands-on person with a love for life, beauty and celebration. She has a degree in horticulture and training in music, carpentry, interior design, floral design and life coaching. Natalie spent time as an intern at a church and went on several ministry trips to places like the Philippines, Japan and India. She was involved heavily in music over the years with several orchestras, choirs and worship groups. She has also dabbled in many things including beekeeping, welding, machinery operation, large quantity cooking and gardening. She loves learning and trying new things. She thrives by being in the outdoors and enjoys making music with friends, preparing and eating good food, contemplation and communing with God through prayer, worship, dance, and journaling, or as she calls it, musing. Right now she is writing music and poetry and is in the early stages of writing a book. She hopes to be healed so she can go on to do many more things…travel, beekeeping, starting a farm and training others in practical ways to become their best selves with life skills and inner freedom.
Leave a Reply