Being in nature has been attributed to a plethora of wellbeing benefits. There are too many to list, but a few include improved cognitive function, brain activity, blood pressure, mental health, physical activity, and sleep. Here is a shortlist of ways to get more nature:
1. Eat Outdoors. Pack up lunch or dinner and picnic at your favorite park, or even in your own yard or shared green space near where you live. Take your lunch break outside if you can, or take your morning coffee on the patio.
2. Bring Nature Indoors. Use paintings and pictures of nature, decorate with plants, fresh flowers, or colors that mimic nature. These can all register as aspects of nature in your brain and create a soothing effect.
3. Give Foraging a Try. This is searching for food in the wild. Every region has a vast variety of native plants which are edible. It can be really fun to learn about them and search them out. You’d be surprised how many greens and flowers grow all over that you can throw in your salad or dishes. It can be great for encouraging creativity and variety in your diet as well. Always practice safety while you search for food in the wild and use trusted resources or guides for plant identification.
4. Forest Bathing. This practice, originally out of Japan, is all about immersing your senses in nature and bringing awareness to the act of being present. Some describe it as an active meditation. (Helpful Hint: It doesn’t involve actual bathing.)
5. Try a Fun New Outdoor Activity. Here’s a list chalk full of ideas to get your creative brainstorming started. From outdoor music to farmers markets or starting a rock collection, you’re sure to find something that sounds fun to you and your family.
6. Visit a Body of Water. Water soothes the nervous system, even just by listening to running water or looking at a beautiful creek or lake. If you aren’t the swimming type, you can try wading, fishing, or looking for water loving wildlife.
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