I get it- Life is busy. But, now that the heat is starting to dial down some (FINALLY!!), here’s your gentle nudge to slow down and step outside.
Studies show that spending time in nature reduces stress, improves mood, and boosts focus. Just two hours a week in natural surroundings is enough to significantly enhance mental and physical well-being.
Of course, it’s still a bit hot out there mid day. So, either a journey up north, or an early morning or sunset stroll is ideal now. It doesn’t have to be an all day thing either. Any amount of time is better than none at all and can still greatly affect mood and well being.
Here are some simple ideas to help you reconnect:
- 🍃 Take a slow morning walk at your local park
- 🧺 Pack a picnic and eat outdoors—solo or with a friend
- 📵 Leave your phone behind for a 1-hour nature break
- 📓 Bring a journal or sketchbook and capture what you see/hear/smell
- 🐦 Try birdwatching or cloud-spotting ⛅—yes, really!
- 🌙 Go for a short evening walk and catch the sunset🌄
No agenda. No pressure. Just you & nature- RESET😌
SUNSHINE is selfcare! There’s a reason we feel so intimately connected to nature guys. When we take the time to disconnect from our screens, we reconnect with our bodies and our environment. This allows us to FEEL-recharge, energize. And that can be so healing in and of itself. Nature has so much to offer us if we can take the time to take it in when we have the opportunity.
We talked a couple weeks ago about how natural light increases melatonin production and reduces stress. But sunshine also allows us to absorb vitamin D, regulates our circadian rhythm, enhances mental clarity, and improves sleep. Who doesn’t need that these days?! All of this helps with productivity and creativity too. Better vitamin D absorption can boost immunity and improve mood-another added bonus. And I don’t know about you, but I love to explore what’s out there. There is so much to learn, take in, and enjoy! It allows us to get out of the office/house, out of our heads, and into the present state of pure enjoyment.
This is such great stuff! The Japanese even have an entire practice centered around these beliefs. It’s called Shinrin-yoku, or “Forest Bathing”. It’s a form of nature therapy that involves immersing oneself in a forest environment to promote mental and physical well-being. But, it’s not about swimming or bathing in the conventional sense—it’s about bathing in the atmosphere of the forest, using all your senses to connect deeply with nature. Forest bathing was developed in Japan in the 1980s as a response to increasing stress levels and overwork among the population. Over time, Shinrin-yoku has gainedscientific support and global popularity as a wellness practice. Unlike hiking or exercising, it’s not goal-oriented. Instead, the focus is on being present and engaging all five senses.
I encourage you to try this is some form in the upcoming weeks. Make a date with nature. Take the Nature Challenge. Trade in some screen time for GREEN time🌳🌻🌅 and use nature’s healing power to recharge.
We can’t always find time or resources to go on expensive trips and vacations, but nature is right at our back door. We only need to seek it.
Your mind needs space. Your body needs rest. Nature offers both—freely.
Your future self will thank you. 🌱
Snap a photo of your nature moment this weekend and tag @momentoftruthpt or reply to this email with your awesome pics. We’d love to see your peaceful places!
Here’s some pictures of one of our beloved team members many of you know and love, Shanna! She was taking it all in for her birthday weekend between Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington!
I leave you with one of my favorite quotes…, “And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul”-John Muir.
Much Love,
Jess and the Moment of Truth Team💜
0 comments