Relieving Stress in Nature

Spending time in the wilderness can be a great way to relieve stress and connect with nature. Here are some activities you can do outside in the wilderness to help alleviate stress:

  1. Hiking: Hiking is a great way to explore the outdoors and get some exercise at the same time. You can choose a trail that suits your fitness level and spend the day exploring the natural beauty around you.
  2. Camping: Camping can be a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in nature. You can camp in a tent or a cabin and spend time cooking over a campfire, reading, and stargazing.
  3. Fishing: Fishing can be a peaceful and meditative activity, allowing you to focus on the present moment and enjoy the natural surroundings. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, fishing can be a great way to relieve stress and enjoy the outdoors.
  4. Wildlife watching: Observing wildlife can be a great way to connect with nature and find inner peace. You can bring binoculars or a camera and look for birds, mammals, and other animals in their natural habitats.
  5. Yoga and meditation: Practicing yoga and meditation outside the wilderness can significantly reduce stress and promote relaxation. You can find a quiet spot with a beautiful view and do yoga poses or practice mindfulness meditation.
  6. Rock climbing: For those who enjoy a more active outdoor experience, rock climbing can be a great way to challenge yourself physically and mentally while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced climber, plenty of routes are available to suit all levels.
  7. Kayaking and canoeing: Exploring the waterways by kayaking or canoeing can be a great way to immerse yourself in nature and find peace. You can paddle on a calm lake or river or challenge yourself with whitewater kayaking.

Overall, spending time in the wilderness can be a great way to relieve stress and find some inner peace. Choose the activities that suit your interests and fitness level, and take the time to appreciate the natural beauty around you.

time lapse photography of river
Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels.com

There are numerous health benefits to being in nature, including:

  1. Reduced stress: Being in nature can help reduce stress levels by promoting relaxation and calming the mind. Exposure to green spaces has been shown to lower cortisol levels, a stress hormone, in the body.
  2. Improved mood: Spending time in nature has been linked to improved mood and overall well-being. Being in natural environments has been shown to increase positive emotions, decrease negative emotions, and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
  3. Boosted immune system: Exposure to natural environments has been linked to a more robust immune system. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can increase the production of white blood cells, which help fight off infection and disease.
  4. Increased physical activity: Being in nature often involves physical activity, such as hiking or biking, which can help improve cardiovascular health, build muscle strength, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes.
  5. Better sleep: Exposure to natural light and fresh air can help regulate the body’s internal clock and improve sleep quality. Being in natural environments has also been linked to decreased insomnia and better sleep patterns.
  6. Improved cognitive function: Spending time in nature has improved cognitive function, including attention, memory, and creativity. Exposure to green spaces has also been linked to decreased symptoms of ADHD in children.

Spending time in nature can have numerous physical and mental health benefits. So, next time you have the opportunity to get outside, take advantage of it and reap the benefits of being in nature.

green pine trees on mountain beside the body of water
Photo by Roman Pohorecki on Pexels.com

Holistic practices are based on the belief that the body, mind, and spirit are interconnected and that addressing all three aspects is necessary for optimal health and well-being. Here are some holistic things you can do in nature:

  1. Forest bathing: Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese practice of spending time in nature to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and boost immune function. Simply spending time in a forest or wooded area, breathing in the fresh air, and immersing yourself in nature, can have a calming effect on the mind and body.
  2. Yoga and meditation: Practicing yoga and meditation in nature can be a powerful way to connect with your inner self and the natural world. Find a peaceful spot in the heart, such as a quiet meadow or a secluded beach, and practice gentle yoga poses or guided meditation to help calm the mind and reduce stress.
  3. Nature walks: Walking in nature can be a great way to clear your mind, reduce stress, and improve your mood. Take the time to observe your surroundings, notice the sights, sounds, and smells of nature, and let yourself fully immerse in the experience.
  4. Herbalism: Herbalism is using plants for healing and wellness. Please spend some time learning about different plants and herbs and their medicinal properties in nature. You can also harvest wild plants and make herbal remedies like teas, tinctures, or salves.
  5. Outdoor art: Get creative and use nature as your inspiration for art. Whether it’s painting, drawing, or photography, using the natural world as your subject can be a great way to express your creativity and connect with the beauty of the natural world.
  6. Ecotherapy: Ecotherapy is a therapy that uses nature for healing and personal growth. A trained therapist can guide you through various activities, such as journaling, mindfulness, and movement, designed to help you connect with nature and improve your mental and emotional well-being.

Holistic practices can be done in nature to promote health and well-being. Find the methods that resonate with you and take the time to immerse yourself in the healing power of nature.

Hiking in the Wilderness Solo

Hiking in the wilderness alone can be an enriching experience. It allows for solitude, introspection, and connection with nature. However, being prepared and aware of the potential risks and dangers of being alone in the wilderness is essential.

Before embarking on a solo hike, it is essential to plan and prepare, including researching the trail and weather conditions, packing critical supplies, and letting someone know your itinerary. In addition, understanding wilderness survival skills are vital, such as finding shelter and water, building a fire, and navigating with a map and compass.

When hiking alone, it is crucial to be mindful of your surroundings and to stay alert. Be aware of potential hazards, such as wildlife or unstable terrain, and take necessary precautions. It is also a good idea to bring a personal safety device, such as a whistle or bear horn, in an emergency.

waterfalls in forest
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

It is also important to be respectful of the wilderness and to leave no trace. It also means being mindful of your environmental impact and following Leave No Trace principles, such as disposing of waste properly and respecting wildlife.

In addition to the practical considerations, solo hiking can also provide an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Being alone in the wilderness allows for reflection and can help to increase self-reliance and confidence. It can also be a chance to disconnect from technology and daily life’s distractions and connect with nature and oneself.

Overall, solo hiking in the wilderness can be a rewarding experience, but it is crucial to be prepared and aware of the potential risks and to respect nature. By taking the necessary precautions and being mindful of your surroundings, you can have a safe and enjoyable solo hike in the wilderness.

When Silence Screams

“We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature – trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon, and the sun, how they move in silence… We need silence to be able to touch souls.”–Mother Teresa
For anyone in turmoil, silence can be defining. The clutter in our minds can be more defining than someone actually screaming in our face. When we’re in secrecy, this seems to be genuinely augmented.

prayer, self improvement, God

The blessing we seek is to be able to enjoy the silence. No noise, just utter silence. Just as Mother Teresa says in this quote, God is a friend of silence. Being ready to embrace the silence and not be deaf from the noise in our head, here we can find true peace.

Meditation can help you find the silence so your mind can be at peace. Beginning a daily routine of meditation will accelerate your ability to love the quiet. Most of us need some sort of ambient noise to not drive ourselves nuts.

Your meditation practice may need to begin with ambient noise, music, nature sounds, or the like. As you progress in your training, you can start to wean yourself off the noise and learn to embrace the silence. Here is where you can indeed be one with the Universe.

If you want to energize your life, meditate! Learn to embrace the silence.

Question or comments:

 

The Only Happy Resources You Will Ever Need

We all want to be happy! Duh!!!!!

The real monkey wrench is most folks are not. Happy is some now-and-again thing. Smiling is a choice we get to make every waking moment of life. Happy, or sad it’s our decision.

A choice to be happy, yes I can hear so many screaming “I want to be happy you as@ but I can’t” because of this or that. YES, dear friends, you can make a choice to be happy in the middle of adversity! You only need some tools to draw from.

self help, happy, freedom

With a bit of reconditioning ourselves, we can learn to smile amid adversity. No, I am not saying you should say, “Oh boy, I just lost my relationship to a cheating so-and-so.” What I am suggesting is the response could be something more, “thank God; this person is out of my life to make room for someone right for me.”

How we internalize our pain will determine if we live depressed or we live with a free heart. Easier said than done, you say? Not if you recondition yourself for happiness. How you say?

Let’s see, this is in no particular order:

  1. Meditate daily. Learn to meditate to quiet your mind. Your practice will help you find inner peace. Armed with inner peace life’s trials and tribulations will roll off your back.
  2. A spiritual connection with your God, higher power, or whom you call God.
  3. Faith, unwavering faith that no matter how hard you get kicked in the gut. Standing up facing adversity with a power you find when you stay in faith. Knowing in your heart that even if you’re at the brink of destruction, God’s hand will reach in and pull you out. “Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”– Hebrews 11:1
  4. Gratitude is the cornerstone of life. If you cannot find appreciation, you need a spiritual cleanse. We all can find recognition. If your children woke up this morning healthy, imagine the parents who’re children are fighting for their lives today. If you drove to work, imagine having to ride the bus today in the cold. See my point we all have something to be grateful for! Always!!!
  5. Prayer, make it a part of every day. First, don’t beg “please God just get me through this.” God knows what you need, go to him confess what you need to admit to him. Repent of your sins. Then thank him for the favor he shows in your life. “Thank you, God, for my healing favor” “Thank you, God, for my financial favor” ” Thank you, God, for my beautiful relationships.” Talk to God as you would a friend!
  6. Make time for you. This needs to be in the form of a walk outdoors. Get to a park, hiking trail, your neighborhood, just find a place that you can get outside. Why? Walking helps you relieve tension. Further, you can enjoy some fresh air, look around you, and experience nature. Get outside yourself, if only for a moment!

These are six things that if you immerse your life into the practice of, you can find happiness. When you learn to relax, let go physically with Yoga, walking, let go emotionally via meditation, prayer, then you can draw happiness at will.

Let go of the past. If you’re hanging onto the past, let that shi^ go! The rear-view mirror gives you a focused view backward. What that means to you, a constant look at the garbage that you need to leave at the dump. There is a reason the front window is significant, and the rear window is small. What’s ahead of you is FAR more important than what’s behind you!

No matter what your state-of-mind is today. Start! Begin the process of training your noodle to embrace happily. All it takes is retraining our mind to embrace happily. Start right now by throwing your shoulders back, putting a smile on your face and say, “today is my day!” Congratulations you took the first step, KEEP GOING!!!

Buy Me A Coffee

Will Happiness Ever Rule the World

“Happiness doesn’t depend on any external conditions, it is governed by our mental attitude.”–Dale Carnegie

Happiness may not ever rule the world, but it can rule your world! Being happy is a choice. We can choose to be miserable or want to be satisfied. Outside influences can steal our joy for the moment. However, you can again choose to be happy in spite of external stressors.

self help, prayer, God, Jesus

This is something I struggle with, and sure you do as well. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of anxiety over outside influence in our lives. Putting a smile on our face and being grateful for the smallest of things will keep us in faith.

Even when we get kicked in the gut. I am not suggesting that you have to smile and say, “thank you can I have another.” You can mourn a situation for an appropriate time. We all have disappointments that steal our joy. It’s recovering from it that makes the difference.

Don’t give into stress, disappointment, or the like. This is your life guided by God, be grateful for that.

Here are five quick things you can do to recover your joy:

  1. Get outside and enjoy nature. Breathe the fresh air, take a walk by a stream or water. Take a minute to see the beauty around you.
  2. Let whatever troubles you go. Give it to God.
  3. Pray, find time to meditate on peace in your life. See yourself in your mind’s eye as happy. Feel that sensation and own it.
  4. Do something for someone else. Be a blessing to others. Get outside yourself and help someone that needs some loving attention.
  5. Be okay with you! Know that trials in life come, but this too shall pass (pardon the cliche) it’s true. Seasons come and go in our lives. Don’t lose sight of that.

Okay, what are you waiting for? God believes in you, I believe in you, so get happy! Don’t overthink, take action now!!!

Buy Me A Coffee