NATURE/MENTAL HEALTH
Why Nature is a Great Source of Self-Care
In response to Yana Bostongirl ‘s February Prompt

“By discovering nature, you discover yourself.” — Maxime Lagacé
Self–care is defined as any activity that promotes your mental, emotional, or physical wellness.
Numerous studies show that being outside in nature reduces stress, boosts wellbeing, and increases productivity.

Self-Care in Nature
My preferred method of self-care is immersion in nature daily. It is critical for both my physical and emotional well-being.
For me, the serenity of our neighborhood parks and lakes never ceases to enchant me.
When I look at the magnificent birds that soar over my head, not to mention the limitless cloud patterns in the glorious blue sky that extends on for miles, I feel such a sense of lightness in my heart. I can’t help but marvel at the multitudinous colors, shapes, and sizes of flowers around me.
The shallow blue lakes with the sound of water gushing in fountains and waterfalls put me at ease. I am in my zen place, with nature as my ever-present companion.
The view is so breathtaking that it almost feels like it belongs in paradise. It is impossible to feel anything but tranquility in a place that is covered in pure beauty.
I wish I could bottle up this feeling of peacefulness.

Closing Thoughts
I will close with a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson:
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
How do you get your nature fix? Please let me know in the comments.
Yana’s February Prompt
This post is in response to Yana Bostongirl’s February prompt.
Shoutouts to Great Pieces
I would like to shout out a thought-provoking piece by Sandra Pawula, where she delves into the significance of Buddhism’s four seals.
She discusses why it’s critical to have a strong belief system to govern our lives and personal growth.
I would also like to highlight this beautiful essay by John O'Neill that truly spoke to me. I am certain he echoes the sentiments of many fellow writers in his piece.
Finally, I would like to draw attention to this excellent piece by Jill (Conquering Cognitions), where she outlines strategies to cultivate grit and a growth mindset.
Her article contains important insights for all of us to consider.
