Five ways to connect with nature for a healthier YOU in the new year
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DECEPTION PASS STATE PARK © GIVEN PHOTOGRAPHY 2021
Have you ever noticed how good you feel when you see a sunrise, stroll along a lake shore, or take in a scenic view? It’s not just a random thing. Research shows that our health improves by spending more time outside.
According to a report from University of East Anglia’s Norwich Medical School, researchers looked at data from 140 countries where people were exposed to green spaces. They compared it to people who only had small amounts of exposure to nature. The study showed that people who spent time in or lived close to green spaces were healthier than those who did not. People exposed to nature had lower blood pressure, better sleep, and less stress.
I have experienced this kind of uplifting energy in nature countless times. Currently, I’m taking a nature sketching class. It gets me super energized and inspired. A simple neighborhood walk will get you the same whopping benefits. It’s one of my favorite things to do. Just the other day, I was troubled about a situation, but didn’t know what to do about it. I’m not kidding when I say that a walk to a nearby park, helped me clear my unease from muddled thoughts and come up with a solution.
So why not consider starting your new year with more time in nature. Below I’ve listed five fun ideas and/or outings to get you started. If you want more, click the link at the end of this post to my book, “How to Make Every Day a Walk in the Park: 101 Empowering Ways to Connect With Nature (and Yourself ).” So check out the activities below and give one a try!
Take a walk through an urban park or natural area and give it a new twist by seeing nature as supportive and nourishing to you personally. Get present. Along the way you feel protected by the sentinel sturdiness of trees, enchanted as you watch the tiny bird foraging in the shrubs, greeted by the sweet bunny in your path, soothed by the lapping water, inspired by the hawk soaring overhead and rich beyond words by the lush foliage surrounding you. This is a wonderful way to connect with nature.
Visit a botanical garden. These lush gardens are nature’s galleries with gorgeous displays of plants year-round. Charm oozes in these places with stone footpaths, rock walls, tiny ponds, miniature waterfalls, and wooden bridges. Get in full curious mode as you wander the paths, wondering what’s around the next bend. A delightful outing awaits.
Embrace the season. Whenever you step outside notice the signs of the season. What’s the temperature? Where is the sun?Are there birds around? This kind of observation will slow you down and promote presence. So much of the time we are hurrying from place to place. Do this to help you build space into your day and sweet little transitions.
Just BE in nature one day per week. This is a good way to start connecting with nature. Carry a small notebook and walk to or visit a natural area near your home. A park, viewpoint or green belt will work. Be still for a few minutes then tune into your feelings and thoughts. Capture any insights, decisions, or solutions that come up. Stay positive! Schedule this time in your planner for this to stick with it. The benefits will help you make it a priority.
Greet the day. When you wake up in the morning take a few minutes to greet the day. Go to a window, or step outside and take a few deep breaths. Say or think good morning world! Add feelings of gratitude, relish the delightful mystery of life, and smile knowingly because you just can’t shake the feeling that something wonderful is coming your way. A bit like creating your own fortune cookie, and somewhat woo-woo, but I always experience more light-heartedness in my day when I remember to do this.
Do you love nature or the idea of spending more time in nature? Do you want to tap into the empowering energy of nature? Then grab a copy of my ebook on Amazon!
How to Make Every Day a Walk in the Park: 101 Empowering Ways to Connect With Nature (and Yourself) from Amazon here.
For more winter activities read Seven Things to do Outside this Winter.
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Happy New Year!
PS If you are around the Seattle area, read all about Seattle area parks in my Urban Nature Series here. Many of these parks are great for winter walking and always wonderful to explore year-round.
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