Why Nature Is Good for You
Here are just a few of the many health benefits you can expect after rekindling your connection to the Earth around you.
Lower Stress Levels
Research suggests that just twenty minutes in nature a day could significantly reduce your levels of cortisol, aka the stress hormone.
Less Anxiety
With any luck, lower stress levels and less anxiety go hand in hand. To improve your mood, boost feelings of happiness and help relieve stress and anxiety, get outside.
Improved Self-Esteem
Research also tells us that exposure to nature can even lead to increased self-esteem as natural light has a positive impact on your mental health.
Improves Mental Abilities
Being outside relaxes your mind and can provide a mental break by allowing you to momentarily escape it all. While you’re out there, it can also boost your creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Enhances Sleep
Aside from lower stress levels, less anxiety, improved self-esteem, and improved overall mental abilities, getting out into nature and getting sunshine can reset your circadian rhythms which can also improve your sleep.
How to Reconnect to the Earth
As promised, reconnecting to the Earth to experience the many benefits nature has to offer us is easier than you might think. Here are a few of our favorite ways to unplug and reconnect.
Sneak It In When You Can
Look for any opportunity to step outside during your day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. If you live or work near an area where you can go for a quick walk, make that a part of your daily routine.
Ditch Your Phone
Sure, it’s always a smart idea to have your phone charged and on your while you’re out and about, but keep your eyes on the trees and the bees and the sunny skies, and not on your newsfeed.
Go Ahead, Buy a Plant (or Three)
Buying a plant (or two, or three) is the easiest way to bring a little nature to you indoors. If you have kids or animals, make sure to buy houseplants that won’t make them sick if accidentally ingested, and to step up your houseplant game, nab plants that have been proven to clean the air.
Kick Off Your Shoes
When you walk around outside barefoot, you begin to pick up electrons from the Earth. This is also known as Earthing or grounding, and this process has been said to reduce inflammation, prevent and treat chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, produce measurable differences in white blood cells, and more.
Start a Nature Journal
As you begin to spend more time in nature, you’ll start noticing things and you’ll become increasingly curious. Keep track of all of your findings, understandings, connections, gratitude, memory, new skills, and so on in one handy nature journal. The fun part is being able to look back on your journey and all you’ve experienced.
Attend a Nature Class
If you live near any native landscapes, hiking trails, national parks, etc, check to see if they offer any nature classes you can attend. Classes may be focused on the history of the land, certain species native to the land, and so much more.
Dine a La Fresca
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or all three, opt to eat outdoors once a day, weather pending, of course. What could be better than relaxing and getting some fresh air while also enjoying a delicious, nutritious meal?
Take the Scenic Route
Whether you’re on a road trip or just heading across town, take the road less traveled and roll your windows down to let in the fresh air and sunshine. This simple change can make a huge difference.
Let the Sunshine In
At the very least, plop by a window and soak up the sunshine.