Using Nature as a Tool to Reduce Stress
Today, many of us have become disconnected to our natural world.
Living in urban areas with industry around us, being plugged into our computers 24 hours a day, and staying within the confines of home mean we may not spend much time in nature at all.
Yet, like animals, humans have a need for connectedness with nature in order to thrive.
Research shows a lack of exposure to a natural environment is one reason why people living in cities are prone to allergies and asthma.
Being exposed to bacteria found in non-urban (natural) areas actually decreases asthma and allergies.
A lack of time outdoors along with excessive “screen time” may also be linked to depression, obesity, and ADHD in children and teens.
Our children spend more time inside looking at LED screens than any other generation in history. This creates stress and mental overstimulation over the long term.
None of this even counts the toll that urban noise pollution takes on our health and stress levels.
Sometimes, we truly need to get away from all of our modern conveniences in order to find peace.
Explore Nature
If you’re under a lot of stress and feeling like you’re out of solutions, try getting outside and into nature.
Reconnecting with nature may be the missing link to a newfound happiness.
Here are some of my favorite ways to de-stress and enjoy nature:
Explore Hiking Trails.
If you don’t have a favorite trail, find one or ask a friend who likes to hike for a recommendation.
Go for an herb walk with an experienced herbalist and learn out about the medicinal herbs growing in your background.
Get adventurous and take a walk in the rain. Bring a coat and umbrella (if necessary). Take your children if they need a “nature break”, too.
Get Near The Water.
Take a day to go to the river, lake, or beach. Being near bodies of water can have a transformational effect on your health.
It can help you become more peaceful, creative, and centered. For people who do a lot of mental work, it relieves stress caused by overstimulation.
Go for a swim if it is safe. Enjoy a light jog. Practice meditation, yoga, or spend quiet time reflecting.
Wherever Your Adventure Takes You, Be Quiet And Listen.
Listen to the water, the birds, or other animals. Be aware of everything around you.
You may be shocked at how much natural sounds and sights lift your energy and improve your mood.
There’s a reason why people love nature CD’s, but really there is no substitute for the real thing.
Other Techniques To Try:
A walking meditation is a great way to practice mindfulness while getting exercise in nature.
Rock climbing can be fun and gives you something other than stress to focus on. Start easy and go with experienced climbers who follow safety procedures.
Learn how to wild craft or forage for herbs. Taking a course can help you develop the skills to find, harvest, and use the medicinal herbs in your area.
Write. Have you always wanted to write, but never seem to make time? Bring a notebook while you hike. When on a break, start a journal entry or maybe work on a poem or short story.
Just play. This is great one to do with the kids. You know you want to slide down that muddy hill and splash in the puddles! It’s ok to get dirty. Have fun with it! If it snows where you live, make a snowman or have a snowball fight.
Get Outside and Find Yourself
Even spending just a few hours in nature can help you become more grounded and productive in your daily life.
I believe it also helps you become more intuitive and find answers to questions you have.
We are natural beings who long for connectedness to the natural world. Being in nature opens the door to new experiences and ways of thinking.
While in nature, ask yourself what kind of life you’re looking for. Take time to reflect on the question and manifest the life you want.
Being in nature allows more room for positive thinking and manifestation, so you never know what may happen.
Your time in nature may be just what the doctor ordered for a new, happier life!
References:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2016/02/25/mental-benefits-water_n_5791024.html
Kuo, F. & Taylor, A. (2004, Sept.). A potential natural treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Evidence from a national study. American Journal of Public Health, 94(9), 1580-1586. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1448497/
Rosen,L.D., Lim, A.F., Felt, J., Carrier, L.A., Cheever, N.A., Lara-Ruiz, J.M., et al. (2014, June). Media and technology use predicts ill-being among children, preteens and teenagers independent of the negative health impacts of exercise and eating habits. Computers in Human Behavior, 35, 364-375. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4338000/
Scott, E. (2016, Aug.). Stress and noise pollution. Retrieved from Very Well,
https://www.verywell.com/stress-and-noise-pollution-how-you-may-be-at-risk-3145041
The surprising effect being disconnected from nature has on our health and well-being. (2016). Retrieved from One Green Planet,
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/environment/natural-world-impact-on-human-health-and-well-being/
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