Nature is incredibly healing for the body, the mind and the soul. It energizes and rejuvenates the spirit — trees, grass, leaves, sunshine, wildlife, flowers, twigs, soil, rocks, breeze, the sound of a waterfall or birds chirping or even squirrels scurrying away. Whether it’s the expansive lavender fields of Provence, the California coast along Big Sur, the pristine beaches of Barbados, Dunn’s River Fall in Jamaica or even Bryant Park in the middle of Manhattan, nature will add immeasurable joy and peace to your soul.
Being in nature activates the parasympathetic nervous system which is the part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for resting and digesting. When you’re out in nature notice how your senses activate {sight, hearing, touch, smell} and your heart rate tends to slow down. You may even begin to walk slowly — strolling and wandering. We naturally calm down and begin to conserve energy. Oftentimes when we leave nature, we activate that fifth sense, taste, and head out to get something to eat.
We are designed to enjoy nature and to benefit from allowing our minds and bodies to reset, rejuvenate and refresh. It centers and grounds the mind, emotions and body. It is calming for our eyes and soothing to our senses. It is also free and accessible so do yourself a favor and get back to nature!
Make the time, for your self:
- Go for a hike on a trail
- Go for a walk in a park
- Go to a body of water like a lake, river or the ocean
- Go camping with family
- Go fishing with friends
- Go rollerblading at the beach
- Go for a run along the beach
- Go sit under a tree and read
- Go for a picnic
- Go walk barefoot in the grass
- Go!