Nature Nurtures
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of everyday life. We’re constantly bombarded with mental stimulation from our phones, computers, busy schedules, and to-do lists. Modern life often pulls us away from healthy emotional states, as we struggle to balance the noise of endless notifications with the pressures of work and family life. Our modern, and often sedentary, lifestyles effectively pull us into a virtual world, away from the present moment, leaving us feeling anxious. This emotional leak results in a loss of energy and motivation, leaving tension and stress in its wake.
So what can we do to combat these challenges? One of the best ways is to get outside more and spend time in nature. It’s important to remember that we are not machines; we are beings who are highly evolved for life in a natural environment. We need to get back to our roots and allow our minds and bodies to engage with the environment that is our natural habitat. In other words, to find our home, we need to get out of our houses.
When we’re in nature, we’re able to engage all of our senses in things that are real. We can feel the warm sun on our face, smell the scent of pine needles, and hear the leaves rustling in the wind. We’re able to move our bodies and coordinate our minds in a way that feels natural and balanced. Most importantly, we’re able to be present in the moment, without the distractions of technology or stresses of daily life.
Getting out into nature improves your emotional and physical well-being. It helps you feel relaxed and balanced, and provides an accessible tool for quieting overstimulation and managing stress. Spending time outdoors provides an emotional reset, helping us purge mental clutter and to focus on what is real. It can also teach us important lessons about ourselves, reminding us we’re a part of something much bigger.
So the next time you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take a step back from your modern environment and head out into nature. Get outside, take a deep breath, quiet your thoughts, pay attention to what is going on around you, and be present in the place where you were meant to be. Your mind and body will thank you.