Nine ways to help you get started on your happy, healthy year of well-being
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reflection at Cranberry lake, deception pass state park, washington. © rebecca bailey
Studies show that if you spend time in nature, you’ll increase your energy, be more mentally focused, feel more relaxed, and get more oxygen into your lungs to help expel airborne toxins. So why not make time in nature a regular practice this year. And while you’re at it, do something for yourself. Below, I have a round-up of reader favorites to get you started. Don’t think of these as resolutions. More like simple intentions that are fun and enjoyable. Some of these activities you can do inside, but the results amp up if you take them outside.
Just Breathe. This is something you can do anytime. No fancy techniques. No right or wrong way to do it. Give yourself five minutes of simple, mindful breathing. It instantly reduces anxiety and boosts your immune system. Of course, if you do this outside, you'll feel your inner glow even sooner.
Play more. There is a strong correlation between success and playful activities. Kick a ball around with your kids. Go wildlife or bird-watching. Explore an outdoor sculpture park. Take a whale watching tour. Sign up for an owl hunt with your local Audubon Society. Organize an urban walk with friends. Whatever you do, just make it fun, and outside.
Do reflection journaling. When you want to change something in your life, personal reflection is a powerful way to do that. Find a quiet place outside and ask, what do I want? Slowly consider small steps that will get you there. Take your time, be gentle with yourself, stay focused, be flexible, and try to make the process as important and enjoyable as the outcome.
Stop to smell the rosemary. Plant a rosemary plant. Then snip sprigs to toss into roasted veggies, soups, and veggie scrambles. This powerhouse herb alleviates muscle pain, improves memory, boosts the immune and circulatory systems, and promotes hair growth.
Follow the nine commonalities found among the longest living people on the planet. Eat a plant-slant diet, go to happy hour and drink wine at 5, wake up in the morning with purpose, eat to 80 percent full, belong to a faith-based community, put family first, have close friends with similar values, find ways to down-shift (think spending time in nature). From the bluezones.com.
Walk in nature. Take advantage of nature’s restorative powers. Even a brief walk will do wonders for your mood and overall well-being.
Explore an arboretum or botanical garden. This is an absolutely delightful way for anyone to spend a few hours. No need to be a botanist or even an avid gardener to enjoy these outdoor museums. You can find arboretums in most urban areas. Here in the Seattle area you can explore Bellevue Botanical Garden, Washington Park Arboretum, and Kubota Garden.
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. Cultivate feelings of gratitude, relish the freshness of the new day, and smile because you know that something wonderful is just around the corner.
Start a new habit to connect with nature. Give yourself a regular time to be in nature one day per week. No real agenda, just follow your intuition on what to do. Something simple like sitting on a park bench with a cup of coffee or tea. Or maybe explore a green space near your home—whatever feels good. This is a great way to start connecting with nature.
