Have you ever felt the magic of spending time in nature? It could be walking in a local park, escaping to the beach or mountains, or taking a few deep breathes while standing in your own backyard or outdoor space. The research is solid: spending time in nature is good for your mental health.
In fact, the research has shown that spending time in nature can have numerous benefits for both physical and mental health, including:
- Improved mood and reduced stress: Studies have shown that exposure to nature can help reduce stress and improve overall mood and feelings of well-being.
- Boosted immune system: Spending time in nature has been shown to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.
- Increased physical activity: Being in nature can encourage people to be more physically active and improve their overall fitness.
- Improved cardiovascular health: Regular exposure to nature has been linked to reduced blood pressure, lower heart rate, and improved cardiovascular health.
- Improved cognitive function: Studies have found that exposure to nature can improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and creativity.
- Better sleep: Spending time in nature has been shown to improve sleep quality and overall sleep patterns.
- Improved eye health: Spending time in nature can reduce eye strain and improve visual acuity, potentially reducing the risk of eye problems such as nearsightedness.
- Increased physical activity: Being in nature can encourage people to be more physically active, which can improve overall fitness and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
- Calming of the nervous system: Spending time in nature is an excellent way to calm the nervous system, which improves the ability to manage the stress of widowhood!
Take the time when you’re stressed to get yourself outside and into some type of nature. Do you live in an urban area? Then find yourself a park, a community, botanical or city garden, or find some nature inspired activities.
I just finished four days on the central coast of California with two other widowed friends. We walked in sand, soaked up the sun, watched sunsets, and meandered through the trees. It was refreshing, and I feel a renewed focus that I need to manage all of the moving parts of widowhood (even on the good days).
Blessings my friends,
Julie
P.S. If the strain of widowhood has you feeling lost or overwhelmed, I’m here for you. My program, Navigating Widowhood, is specifically designed with the goal to, “make life better for widowed people.” Just send me a message.
Navigating Widowhood 