relax

Relieving Stress in Nature

/ Robert Bruton / Leave a comment

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
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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.

Smooth Under Fire

/ Robert Bruton / Leave a comment

Staying calm under fire is a valuable skill in any situation where you are facing high levels of stress or pressure. Whether it’s a high-stakes meeting at work, a confrontation with a difficult person or a crisis, staying calm can help you think clearly and make better decisions. Here are a few tips to help you stay calm under fire:

  • Take deep breaths: When you’re under pressure, it’s common to take shallow breaths or even hold your breath. As a result, you will feel anxious or panicked. Instead, try taking deep breaths through your nose and out through your mouth. Help slow down your heart rate and relax your body.
  • Please focus on the present moment: When you’re under fire, it’s easy to get caught up in negative thoughts about the past or the future. Making you feel overwhelmed or anxious. So instead, focus on the present moment and what you can do to address the situation.
  • Take a break: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it can be helpful to take a short break to clear your mind. Step away from the situation and take a few minutes to do something calming, like going for a walk or listening to music.
  • Practice relaxation techniques: You can use many relaxation techniques to help you stay calm under fire. These include mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or deep breathing exercises. Practice these techniques regularly to call upon them when you need them most.
  • Seek support: It’s okay to ask for help or support when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Talk to a friend or family member about what you’re going through, or consider seeking support from a mental health professional.
  • Create a mental plan: A plan can help you feel more in control of the situation and less overwhelmed. Take a few minutes to consider what steps you can take to address the problem. For example, involve brainstorming potential solutions, making a list of tasks that need to be completed, or setting goals for yourself.
  • Use positive self-talk: When you’re under fire, it’s easy to get caught up in negative thoughts and self-doubt. Instead, focus on the positive and remind yourself of your strengths and abilities. Use positive self-talk to boost your confidence and help you stay calm.
  • Practice gratitude: Focusing on what you are grateful for can help you stay calm and maintain perspective. Take a moment to think about the things in your life that bring you joy and gratitude, and remind yourself of these things when you’re feeling stressed.
  • Stay hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. Make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated and help you stay calm.
  • Seek out sources of calm: Surrounding yourself with calming influences can help you stay calm under fire. Including listening to soothing music, spending time in nature, or engaging in activities that you find relaxing, such as yoga.

Following these tips teaches you to stay calm under fire and better handle stressful situations. Remember to take care of yourself and prioritize your well-being in times of stress.

photo of woman leaning on wooden table while looking upset
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Box Breathing

/ Robert Bruton / Leave a comment

Box breathing, also known as square breathing or four-square breathing, is a simple relaxation technique that can help to reduce stress and improve overall physical and mental health. It involves inhaling and exhaling deeply, using a specific pattern to regulate the breath.

Some potential benefits of box breathing include:

Reducing stress and anxiety: By focusing on the breath, box breathing can help to calm the mind and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

Improving sleep: The deep breathing involved in box breathing can help to relax the body and mind, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Enhancing concentration and focus: The rhythmic pattern of box breathing can help to improve concentration and focus, making it a valuable tool for athletes, students, and others who need to stay focused and mentally sharp.

Supporting respiratory health: Deep breathing can help expand the lungs and improve oxygen circulation throughout the body, supporting respiratory health.

Enhancing overall well-being: By reducing stress and improving sleep, concentration, and respiratory health, box breathing can help to enhance overall physical and mental well-being.

Overall, box breathing is a simple and effective relaxation technique with many physical and mental health benefits.

To practice box breathing, follow these steps:

  • Find a comfortable position with your back straight and your feet planted firmly on the ground.
  • Place your hands on your stomach, and take a deep breath through your nose, allowing your stomach to expand as you inhale.
  • Hold your breath for a count of four.
  • Slowly exhale through your mouth, allowing your stomach to contract as you exhale.
  • Hold your breath for a count of four.
  • Repeat the inhaling, holding, exhaling, and holding cycle for four counts each.
  • Continue for several minutes, focusing on the breath and the rhythmic pattern of inhaling, holding, exhaling, and holding.

You can also try adding visualization to your box breathing practice. For example, you can imagine inhaling calm and exhaling stress with each breath. Or, you can imagine a square, with each side representing one part of the breath cycle (inhale, hold, exhale, hold).

Remember to breathe deeply and slowly, allowing the breath to fill your lungs and expand your stomach. And, as with any relaxation technique, be patient and allow yourself time to get used to the practice. With regular practice, box breathing can be a powerful tool for reducing stress and improving overall well-being.

a woman in gray sports bra meditating with her hands together
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Take Your Life Back

/ Robert Bruton / Leave a comment

How can life continually kick you in the gut, yet you still get up and fight?

How can life jerk the rug right out from under you, and yet you still get up and fight?

How can nothing seem to go right most of the time, and you still get up and fight?

How can you feel abandoned by God and still get up and fight?

Are you the person that fights?

People quit because they do not have a fight left in them, so THEY think! Emotionally we are all stronger than we give ourselves credit for.

“Self-acknowledgment boosts your emotional and spiritual immunity, giving you the strength, you need to release the past and rise above fear, doubt, or resignation.”—Debbie Ford

Two years ago, I took life head-on. With no emotional place to go but up, it was time to take the hits, take the pain, take the sorrow, and say NO more.

When you want to change your life, achieve more than you ever have. You need to be ready to take whatever life can throw at you, breakthrough prepared for more. When I speak of achievement, this is not about work success, this is YOU success.

Nothing in this life will come to you if you are not prepared. Emotionally prepared to never allow life to overtake your self-worth.

No more pity parties, “I can’t take it, it is too hard!” Horsefeathers!

Let me give you a little secret I have learned along the way. When you begin to awaken the you that you want to be. The person that makes all your dreams come true. You also awaken the enemy who says, “Oh NO, you don’t, I had you in the pits of hell on earth and that is where you stay.” So, the battle begins!

Life, hope, happy

You will be tested; the enemy will fill your head with garbage. Keep you busy chasing your own tale. Kicking your own ass. This is when YOU SAY, “Oh Hell. No, this is my time.”

This will help you strengthen yourself:

  1. Pray. Find times every day to share your innermost thoughts with God. The good, the bad and the ugly. Get it out. All we ask for is wisdom to resolve!
  2. Meditation. Daily get yourself in a routine of reflection. This is where we go to see ourselves in that place of joy, happiness, and peace.
  3. Journal your day. Learn the difference between activity and productivity. Success comes about when productivity dominates our days. Set specific times to achieve tasks every day that lead to a tangible result. Set up your day hour-to-hour. At first, this will be a pain in the butt. Over time it becomes second nature.
  4. Breathe. As much as needed, take a moment to breathe. Slow yourself down when your head begins to muddle up with garbage. Box breathing is a beautiful way to calm down. Easy to do: Take a couple cleansing breaths in through the nose out through the mouth. Then on a slow 4 count breath in and hold 4, breathe out on a 4 count, begin the same rhythm again. Do this a couple of times; if relaxed your good. If not a couple more times.
  5. Remember a calm mind, is productive, creative, and happy. This is where you will draw your greatest strength.

Do not give up when things get tough. Misery loves company. Do not let the enemy put in your head you can not change, YES you can!

The reason I know change is possible:

  • Great athletes train, train, and train more. You do not pick up a golf club walk onto a tee box with Tiger Woods and expect to win a game. You do not get on a pair of skis and stand in a start house with Lindsey Vaughn and expect to win a gold medal.

Why you say, why can you not beat them? Simple! Practice they have trained themselves for years to compete at the level of achievement each has attained. You must train, train and train more to win—the same thing with your mind that has decades of garbage stuffed in your mind.

People can change because you do get better when you practice. When you get off your ass and try. Try until you think one more step is impossible and take action.

Nay Sayers can kiss my ass. Let this become your mantra!

Just because lazy asses tell you something is impossible. You do not have the right stuff. Remind them to sit on their ass and hold your beer. Get it done!

I wish I had a shortcut to share. Other than your resolve must be steadfast. When enough-is-enough, you will change. I am!

Time to Take Out the Garbage

/ Robert Bruton / Leave a comment

Over our lifetimes, we can accumulate a landfill of garbage in our heads. This is garbage that has taken a lifetime to gather. However, it is now time to empty the trash, let’s go learn how!

Let me share the same advice with you that my mother bestowed upon me. “It took you a lifetime to break your life, have the patience to allow change to occur.”

Christian, Faith, Self Improvement

She is right; it has taken a lifetime to accumulate so much trash, it may take a garbage bag or a hundred to empty out our noodle. The good news is a lot of the garbage can be taken out never to return simply because you are ready for change. You are right?

What exactly are we talking about, garbage?

  • Negativity
  • Fear
  • Hopelessness
  • Self-Loathing
  • Depression
  • Addiction

You get the idea!

Let’s plot out an action plan for change:

  1. Make the decision you want to change your life. Whatever it is you feel you need to change, decide that today forward no more. The new you is at hand.
  2. Organize your life so that you can feel like you are achieving something every day.
  3. Learn how to quiet your mind. This will take some practice but will be the most fantastic thing you can do for yourself. Use headphones, find some relaxing meditation music, sounds, rain, etc. Turn off anything that will disturb you and on get somewhere no interruptions! Cannot stress that enough. Learn to relax and quiet your mind. This will open your mind and allow you to just relax.
  4. Let God know what you desire and ask for the wisdom to find what you seek.
  5. Get healthy. Walk to relieve tension in your body. When you’re healthy, you will be less fatigued. Your body will respond better to change.
  6. Find something that is NOT about you. Volunteer and help others. Doing something that benefits others has an incredible cathartic result.
  7. Learn to be thankful right where you are. Let God know every day you love what you have. When you are okay where you are. God will see that you can have more than you are ready for more in your life. Gratitude is a wonderfully blissful peace in your mind.

Don’t overload yourself. Pick a couple of things and do them consistently. We stop change because we overwhelm our brains. Believing we must do all this stuff to get a replacement now. Slow down, and change will come more quickly.

Someone shared with me, “the state of my house is in direct correlation with the state of my mind.” Look around for clutter. Get the clutter out of your life. No, it’s not organized its confusion. Desk, car, home, or office. Organize!

When deciding what your life should look like take the following OUT of the equation:

  • Don’t have the money.
  • Don’t have the time.
  • Don’t have the resources.
  • Don’t have enough education.
  • Too old or too young.

When framing a new life. Do it from the world is your oyster. You have NO obstacles in the way. I can hear some of you, I don’t have money, I don’t have time!

Learn quickly that in life, you can throw up an obstacle to stifle yourself. If you believe in something enough, PUT FORTH THE WORK TO ATTAIN IT. What you need will come to you someway somehow, even when you see NO idea at all.

Give this to God. Let him see you working diligently, stay in faith. You don’t know how, but you know God will make a way.

Hebrews 11:1-6 King James Version (KJV)

11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Do everything you can to make your dreams come true. Cannot sit on your duff and expect God to just Miracle a million dollars in your bank. That is called the lottery!

You must condition yourself to release negative thoughts as they enter your mind. This is a pass you need to fumble. Drop the ball, let it go, don’t even try to catch the negative thoughts. Easier said than done, I get it. However, you can acknowledge the idea with a resounding “Delete.”

happy, woman, life

Meditation helps with this. See yourself happy, loved, and doing the life you want. The big difference in having the experience you wish to versus having a life you are stuck with. None of us are stuck, oh, you might think you are, but you are not! That much I am 100% on.

Question or help:

Robert Bruton Author of Ten Christian Self Improvement Books available at Amazon