NATURE
Go outside. Look up. Be amazed.
Definition: physical world, including plants, animals, landscape
Other: outdoors, Mother Earth, flora and fauna, universe
Opposite: barren, void, nothingness
Our affinity toward nature is genetic and deep-rooted in evolution. The biological need to connect with nature is called The Biophilia Hypothesis. Super interesting. Nature helps us survive and is in our DNA.
There are natural oils found in plants called terpenes that are critical to our well-being. Natural light is also therapeutic. Earth grounding affects our bodies.
Nature impacts health. Nature deprivation, a lack of time in the natural world, has been associated with depression. Nature helps us cope with pain. Being outdoors reduces stress by lowering the stress hormone cortisol.
WAYS NATURE HELPS WELL-BEING
reduction in anxiety levels
increase problem-solving skills
heightened concentration
improve creative abilities
more grateful and appreciative
mindful of what we see, hear, smell, feel
alleviates feelings of social isolation
reduces fear, anger, and stress
increases pleasant feelings
As we shelter in place and stay at home more than we usually do we can feel trapped and hopeless. Our daily lives have changed and we are faced with uncertainty. We are in survival mode.
We can make the choice every day to do the best we can in these challenging circumstances.
INCORPORATE NATURE INTO DAILY LIFE
Walk outdoors, sit on the lawn
Plants scattered around your home
Natural scents-candles, diffusers, spray
Natural items as decor-wicker baskets, driftwood, rocks and pebbles
Get creative and draw nature, color flowers
Indoor herb gardenPlay nature sounds-gentle rain, whale song, birdsong
Garden dreaming or doing
Fresh flowers
Open the curtains
Bath - Epsom salt and scent of your choice
Look up at the stars
Study the moon phases
NATURE MAKES US FEEL ALIVE FROM THE INSIDE
How can you live life better using Nature?
Becky Wilbur, Silver Lining Special at Well-Being and Wonder. She is a woman who is wise-hearted and chooses to live with ease. Well-being is the vision which lights her way with peace and love. As an encourager, healer and champion for flourishing and contentment, she is honored to inspire others on their journey of change. She is a widow, and Mom to two girls and a mutt named Sadie from Modesto, CA.