“Put down the Prozac and put on your walking shoes.”
Did you know that doctors are now prescribing nature? Scientific studies have proven that connecting with nature can in some instances be more effective than antidepressants! According to a study by the European Society of Cardiology, those who take a brisk walk daily for at least 25 minutes could be adding at least three years to their lives. In addition to increased lifespan, connecting with nature has been shown to decrease the effects of depression, stress, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, anxiety, asthma and memory loss and increase cognition, creativity, focus and feelings of hope, peace, happiness, relaxation and joy.
And many major companies are requiring mandatory time to check out of work and check into the outside (or even creating pop up outdoor offices) because of the huge impact it creates for their employees.
“People are just plants with emotions.”
What do you notice about your energy when you go outside?
What would it cost you to spend 25 minutes walking (or even just breathing) outside if it meant extending your life?
You are the greatest investment you will ever make.
Here’s 20+ ways you can connect with nature:
- Take a walk
- Take a forest bath, go to the woods and walk, meditate or explore
- Ride a bike
- Add plants to your home or office
- Spend time in a greenhouse
- Go hiking
- Sit outside on your porch or deck
- Mow grass
- Pull weeds
- Create a container garden
- Dine at an outdoor restaurant or cafe
- Grab book and a blanket and head to the park
- Play on a playground
- Find an outdoor event such as a concert, a play or a talk
- Add fresh flowers in a vase around the house
- Explore a farmer’s market
- Put fresh herbs in or around your house where you’ll pass by them
- Create art with founds objects from nature
- Take your shoes off and walk in the grass, sand, mud or water
- Open the windows in your indoor spaces and let in light or fresh air
- Host your next get together outside
- Explore a botanical garden near you
- Take a class outdoors
- Create a meal with fresh fruits and veggies
Trail therapy is one of my biggest resources for releasing stress, creating ideas, and letting go. Growing up, I was always around nature, vegetable and flower gardens, dirt (including lots of mud pies), sun, rain, leaves, snow, collecting worms, climbing trees and open fields. One of my first jobs was as an estate gardener where I spent hours upon hours with my hands in the dirt. To this day, pulling weeds has an inexplicable way of calming my mind and rejuvenating my soul. I feel connected in a way I cannot quite put words to.
Call me crazy but I love dirt, sweat and hard work!
Being so close to nature when I was young helped shape my beliefs around what foods and experiences I want for my body and my life today. I feel different when I’ve spent an entire day inside and when I spend even 20 minutes outside.
When I’m not teaching a Pilates class or Health/Life Coaching, I’m walking or biking the loop in my neighborhood, taking my kiddos hiking, exploring in the garden or creating in my journal outside. Every vacation I take my goal is find all the trails, the forests, the water landmarks, the gardens and the wildlife I can on my visit.
Getting outside is the best recharge I can give myself and I never regret soaking in nature.
Even just 5 hours a month can make an impact for you. Listen to your body. Nourishment is more than food and getting connected with nature is a MAJOR way to feel better from the inside out.
Don’t wait for a doctor’s prescription to take back your life. If you know your body craves more fruits and veggies but you get bored, stuck or stagnant with ideas on fresh, flavorful, nutritious recipes, click here to download a free recipe book. Create a fresh meal and eat it outside!
Xoxo,
Christy