I know I’ve said it BEFORE but it bears repeating: Spend time in nature, as much time as you can and as often as you can. The REWARDS and benefits are unmatched in our day-to-day world of artificial light and electronics galore.
Seriously, all it takes is MINUTES a day. Keep in mind though, the more time you spend outdoors, the more benefits you’ll reap. You’ll be more energized and rejuvenated. You’ll have more clarity and direction, not to mention you’ll sleep better.
Sometimes I get in a rut – especially in the winter months when there’s less sunlight, snow on the ground, the wind is howling and the thermometer is registering numbers in the negative – and don’t get outside except to drive to and from work. It doesn’t take long for my BRAIN to get foggy, for my body to feel sluggish and my mood drop. When I finally push myself to get outside, even for 15 minutes, for fresh air and a quick WALK around the yard, I notice, almost immediately, the benefits kick in: my mind clears, I feel grounded, centered, healthy and vibrant. Especially if I spend time walking amongst trees and watch the birds flying around and the squirrels digging for their treasure.
I read an article this summer how sleeping outdoors can improve the quality of your sleep by RESETTING your internal clock. It doesn’t surprise me in the least as I sleep so well while I’m camping and for several days afterwards. During the summer, I like to set up a tent in my backyard and sleep in it as much as possible because there is just something about lying on the ground* and being apart of nature as she unfolds around you. (*With nothing but a foot thick air mattress between me and the ground I mean.)
The earth has a RHYTHM that we’re all connected to but over the years – as we spend more time indoors with artificial lighting and plugged in to electronic devices – our rhythm has CHANGED and put us out of sync with the earth. Being in nature puts us back in sync and our mind, body and spirit feel better for it.
So, the next time you’re feeling tired, lacking clarity and in need of a perk, why not take a walk outside and enjoy nature in all her glory!
Creativity is the calling of the soul 