And just like that, the long memorial day weekend is over and now we’re all back to the work grind. The Tuesday blues are definitely a thing but my friend, have no fear because nature is here! Earlier this morning I had a goal of writing a blog post but my brain just wasn’t having it. So what did I do? I rallied up the beagle boy and we drove to a nearby trailhead to take a walk instead.
Walking is one of the most underrated forms of movement in my opinion because it’s something that most of us don’t even think about or appreciate. Perhaps, some may find it too easy or boring like the Type A personalities (including myself) who are reading this and who crave intense workouts and getting a good sweat on. Sure, I could have forced myself to sit down with the computer this morning and stare blankly at the screen for hours but I knew that walking Harvey in nature would be much more beneficial for the both of us.
Keep in mind that nature doesn’t have to be just in the wilderness. These beautiful environments can facilitate deep healing on so many levels though it can also be found in parks, green spaces and even your neighborhood. All that really matters is that the effort of spending time outdoors not only improves your physical health but can also improve your mental health and could even help boost your creative flow. Moving our bodies outside can be quite peaceful and meditative for some.
There are many studies out there that have shown that exposure to the outdoors has been linked with lower risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. On top of that, being outside also strengthens the immune system and enhances Vitamin D production which many of us could really benefit from.
Taking a walk in nature has been proven to lead to better cognitive function and has been shown to decrease stress and boost happiness. In my experience, there is nothing else quite like it then immersing oneself in the natural world and engaging with all of the different sounds, smells, and sights. Every time I choose to make nature walks a priority, I always find myself feeling more refreshed, in a much better mood and ready to pump out a creative project!
So if you’re feeling stuck, unmotivated or sluggish, living in your head or wanting to add a low-impact physical activity into your daily routine just remember that the great outdoors are always available to you and if you have any physical limitations or don’t have access to natural places, I advise to go slow, listen to your body and maybe first try taking a short walk around your neighborhood or around the block. For those who need a good reason to take a quick break and get up from their desk but are unable to drive somewhere remote or work/live in the city, sometimes wearing headphones on your stroll can be helpful for canceling out the noise and could be a perfect opportunity to listen to music, catch up on your favorite podcasts or audiobooks and be in your own little world. Just be careful and have fun!
In health and happiness,
Katrina