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 garden

• Play 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.