Happy Friday—or should I say welcome to Flânerie Friday.
Yes, yes this involves a mindful walk, photos too.
But as we wander into another weekend let’s talk about something we could all use—nature therapy.
As a millennial, I count myself lucky. (I know, every generation says this).
I grew up playing outside, well ish.
I don’t have kids, but studies say: they’d spend half as much time outdoors as I did.
Poor mites
(my imaginary non-kids that is), would be glued to some sort of digital device for seven-plus hours–something, we didn’t do.
Apparently, we’re the final generation before the digital age.
(yep social media too).
That said, I did also grow up in a city,
so mostly experienced ‘city nature’.
And according to ecotherapists not all time spent in nature is equal.
Beneficially speaking.
A city park doesn’t reduce the cortisol (stress hormones) in your body or lower your blood pressure as much as say a forest.
All the pollutants, noise, traffic, pesticides and people no doubt.
Don’t get me wrong—city nature still counts.
I also read that city folk become more excited by trees or water than rural folks.
So, this explains me.
(and perhaps the rise of the travel blogger).
But seriously,
these days nearly everyone everywhere qualifies as “city folk”
what with more humans living in cities–or what is defined as one than in rural areas.
In fact, humans have officially been classified Urbanites by the UN.
Or Metro Sapiens, (a term I didn’t coin, but love so I’m running with it—outside).
Why does all this matter you may be wondering?
Well, our amazing human bodies were designed to connect with nature and
being away from it is taking its toll on our minds, bodies and souls.
Not saying you specifically, but collectively it’s dumbing us down (shortening our attention spans–a fact linked to rising ADHD rates).
This disconnect from nature is making us more anxious, less social, more depressed, less creative and less empathetic.
So, I thought I’d share some ideas on things you can do.
Nature therapy isn’t just about being out in nature, it’s about being intentional with it.
Oh and of you don’t feel like going out, there might be a reason for that: Nature Deficit Disorder.
Okay, so it’s not officially in the great book of DSM…yet.
But, the thought is that
people venture into nature less, because they’ve unconsciously intuited (wrongly) that it won’t help them feel better.
Spoiler Alert: it does.
Studies have shown spending time in nature can calm your parasympathetic nervous system (making you feel less anxious and tetchy—proven symptoms of urban life).
Plus,
it can increase NK cells (the natural killer immune-boosting ones),
put a stop to those ruminating thoughts (overthinkers, this one’s for you)
and
just help you become more mindful.
So if you are looking to get more intentional with nature, here are some ideas of things you can do:
- Rock climbing
- Rafting
- Painting or Crafting (outside)
- Pottery
- Drawing
- Journalling/writing
- Wild swimming
- Beachcombing
- Cloud gazing
- Forest bathing
- Gardening
- Running
- Hiking
- Outdoorsy exercise
- Horse Riding
- Beach Yoga
- Stargazing
- Camping
- Visiting a farm
- Spending time in your outdoorsy healing place
- Building a shelter with natural resources (think: clay, wood etc)
If you can’t get outdoors, how about bringing nature inside?
You can become a plant mum, like me and nurture them.
Even looking at photographs of nature has proven benefits (no, really).
And while technology is amazing (looking at you smartphone) it’s making us sick.
Did you know the average person touches theirs about 150 times a day?
And this addiction comes at a high price.
Rises in health issues like obesity is just one example linked to screens absorption.
Stepping away from all the dings and pings this weekend (well, it’s a start, right?) will do you the world of good.
So try disconnecting and recharging and…
let me know how you feel.
Ah and while you’re at it…
Do you have a favourite outdoorsy activity—or are you gonna try something new to get your dose of nature therapy?
Tell me in the comments
Dionne
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