The joy of spending time in nature
These past weeks and months have provided many of us with the unexpected opportunity to spend more time outdoors. Unable to work or go outside unless for essential reasons, such as shopping or exercising, many of us have turned to walking, running, and biking as a motivator to get out of the house.
Shopping online has become a way of life for many, and home delivery of food, clothing, and all kinds of products is gaining popularity. Services have also increasingly been purchased online with exercise classes, zoom meetings, and networking being introduced in many homes.
Many children have been homeschooled, and parents have desperately searched for a variety of ways to entertain, amuse, and tire their children. Baking has found unprecedented levels of popularity. So, as an alternative to hunched over in front of a computer or being locked indoors, many people have sought to find some joy by spending time in nature.
Spending time in nature is important for many reasons..
– We have been fortunate with a wonderful climate. during the summer months, a blessing that provided space and time far from the four walls of our homes. Many families have never spent that much time together except over Christmas or the holidays, which can be fine when you know how long it will last, you still have a job, and life is good.
– Launch a routine appearance It helps to introduce a little control into our lives, a reason to get up, wash, change our pajamas, and regain some order. Spending time outdoors regularly can do that, giving a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and perhaps even the opportunity to enjoy pleasant conversations with other family members or have a little personal time alone.
– It is important to remember that time outdoors in nature. offers many important health benefits. We can increase our vitamin D levels, breathe fresh, clean air deeply, perhaps walk briskly, and increase our fitness and oxygen levels. Additionally, the fall and winter months encourage hibernation, where we produce more melatonin and feel sleepy. Increase your serotonin levels by going outside in daylight and feeling brighter as a result. Plus, support your eyes by refocusing away from computer screens and enjoying remote views.
– It smells too! The flower when we pass, the leaves and weeds while we kick, or even the unexpected smell when a nearby farm dispenses mud on its fields.
– Turning off the constant noise It is important. Some people choose to run, walk, or bike and have podcasts or phones to keep them company. But sometimes turning off noise and unrelated stimuli allows your time in nature to be a more immersive experience. The sounds of nature, the chirping of birds early in the morning, the rustling of reeds warning you that young people are on the move, even the gentle grazing of sheep or cows can be a very special part of your day.
– Commit to regular time in nature. means that throughout the year we can enjoy the newborn ducklings, watch their progress and be proud when their mom sees several of her little ones survive, a gentle reminder that nature can be harsh, but still ‘shows up’ every day . We can marvel at the way delicate and fragile wildflowers still bloom, even after drought, torrential rains, or harsh winter weather.
– We are able to smile as we see the amazing geese-operated nursery system; they are known to pick up up to 40 youngsters as they travel the waterways. Or watch the protective swans safeguard their chickens from the swan, see herons, partridge, foxes in their natural habitat, letting us pass cautiously.
– And then there are the familiar faces, where we exchange a smile, a nod, or even a few words of greeting if our daily walk has become a regular feature of our life. Dog walkers often trade jokes that sometimes result in new friends, recommendations, and keeping up with the local news.
– There is a different rhythm of life in nature, a rhythm that does not need a watch or clock. Sometimes it is full of joy, other times less. But it’s good to let go of our own world and values for a while, especially at a time when many of us are overwhelmed with worries and hardly know what day it is or what the future holds.
– Rest from the house It is important. If the weather is bad, you can bundle up and then head home to enjoy steaming cups of hot chocolate, a hot bath, or perhaps a meal that has been slowly cooking while you’ve been away. Enjoy the change of scenery, the time to do something together as a family, chat, share a walk, a game or a nature trail, tend the plot or have some personal time alone to disconnect, relax and clear your mind.
For many reasons, spending time in nature has become a very rewarding time.
