You Need to Explore Beautiful Nature Every Day

Consider it an essential activity for your health and well-being

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.~Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl

Nature is a healing balm.

She gives us warm, bright sunshine and fresh air. Our feet sink into the earth, grounding and centering us. We don’t have to make an effort to access nature’s beauty. Step outside and you’ll find her waiting, offering peace.

We have current movement restrictions, due to the novel Coronavirus pandemic. As we navigate social change and illness prevention, we’ll need to find unique ways to meet our needs.

For those of you who are mandated to stay away from public open spaces, you’ll have to work around it with creative alternatives. Drive somewhere and open your windows. Neighborhood walks are allowed. Relaxing in the yard is allowed. Hang out in your patio and drink in the sunshine.

Getting outdoors is just as essential as finding food for our families.

It’s ok to go outside if you stay a distance away from others. Keeping that in mind, we have a few choices.

Don’t deny your needs out of fear or misunderstanding. People have asked where they can go. Most places still allow people in outdoor spaces as long as we follow the distancing protocol. Albuquerque, New Mexico, is one such place.

I feel blessed to access the outdoors during this time. We are relatively calm and serene during an otherwise stressful time for most. Everyone observes the distance needed to stay healthy. We’re all taking care of ourselves on the expansive trails, together yet apart. We’re at least a half-mile from another human.

I’ve taken my daughters on daily hikes since the quarantine. 20–30 minutes outdoors does wonders for our well-being. They have the planet’s best teacher, showing them a pace we humans tend to forget.

Nature does not rush, yet everything is accomplished.~Lao Tsu

They’ve climbed rocks and whistled at birds who chirped in response. We found heart-shaped rocks and cacti the other day. My oldest thought she heard a rattlesnake. I demonstrated the sound and explained it was a different critter. We vowed to research what snakes live in the deserts of New Mexico.

I walk barefoot in the warm sand. It transforms me. I get grounded and feel a deep connection with the earth. I feel happy and content. My 4-year-old discovered she could climb a tall rock. She navigated the cracks and built the confidence to do it again.

Nature is healthy for our mind, body and spirit.

Getting outdoors boosts our immune system. Many studies confirm, nature builds and maintains a healthy immune system. We have access to the warm sun and fresh, clean air. We’re exposed to natural wonders to lift our spirits. Happy people are healthy people.

According to averagejoecamper.com,

Particularly in urban environments, green space nearby played an even greater role when it came to health.

The same research team did a follow-up study based on mortality and found that among people who lived very near green space, a broad range of disease was much less prevalent. Other studies show direct links between overall health and time spent in forests.

Spending time in nature balances blood pressure, blood sugar, and lowers cortisol (a stress hormone). Walks offer physical movement, so vital to good health. We relax into present-moment awareness with trees, plants, and wildlife surrounding us. Mindfulness practice enhances our well-being.

Final thoughts

As we continue to limit social activities, let’s remember how crucial it is to connect. When we’re taking space from our fellow humans, we can stay connected by going outside.

For me, nature hikes are a game-changer. We’re going about our day feeling green and serene. Our stress levels are the lowest in years. We have no set plans, no rush, no pressure. All we have is now.

I’ve heard your stories. Some of you are struggling with feeling stuck in your house. I understand and relate. I feel anxious when I think I’m stuck.

Please consider all the ways you can access the dirt, the sky, or even the sidewalks. Walk or sit out there for a few minutes. Stare at a tree outside your window. Open the window to feel the breeze. It’s natural and acceptable to go outside. It’s more necessary than ever.

I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery — air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, “This is what it is to be happy.”~Sylvia Plath

Related reads:

Let’s stay in touch. You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Thanks for reading.