The Healing Nature of Nature
The natural beauty that surrounds us everyday can have some of the most profound healing power.
When we breathe in fresh air, take in beautiful scenery, and smell all the wonderful scents that make up the great outdoors, we can immediately feel more at peace.
Spending time outdoors on a regular basis can help to reduce stress, process trauma and provide a kind of clarity other coping mechanisms can’t.
Below are a few tips for maximizing the benefit nature can offer to improving your mental well-being!
FOCUS ON YOUR SURROUNDINGS
Notice every detail of what you see. Notice color changes, tiny details of the dirt or terrain, take in the shape of the clouds, and watch the local flora & fauna as they move about. Using the gift of sight, see all there is to see with eyes open wide. Get lost in the best picture book ever written.
DESCRIBE ALL THAT YOU SEE, SMELL, FEEL AND HEAR
Enable all of the five senses to help your body channel the calling effects nature can provide. Notice what you see, smell, hear or feel and take time to describe each sensation with purpose. When we practice this exercise with purpose, we can become much more adept at calming ourselves during stressful times. We become more present and outside stressors become minor annoyances.
VISUALIZE YOUR FAVORITE HANGOUT SPOT
Pick your favorite spot to explore and make a mental picture of that image in your mind. Visualize yourself in that space while you allow your body to relax and disengage from the daily grind. With practice, you may notice less tension, improved focus, feel less anxious and start to be more “in the moment.”
What's your go-to nature hangout?
If you haven’t been outdoors lately, I challenge you to get outside this week! You don’t have to climb mountains or traverse deep crevasses in order to benefit from the glory of our enivornment.
Taking a walk around your neighborhood can be a convenient way of practicing these exercises - you can even include the kiddos!
Wherever you choose to go, remember this: BE PRESENT.