If you’ve read my previous couple of posts in this series, you’ll know that life has been quite crazy for me. I still have a long way to go, to live the simple, un-busy life I crave. Oh but I am A LOT closer than I was! Things have maybe got a little out of balance recently but I am working on correcting that. Yesterday I felt compelled to take some wellbeing time in nature. I would like to tell you about what happened…
I was actually doing some free-writing about to to create more balance and flow in my life. (More on this another time). I turned to continue on the next page and I literally saw this!
If that wasn’t a sign to take some time, I don’t know what could be! I did feel like I needed some time for me. So I took Harvey out for a walk to Hinchingbrooke Country Park. There’s something about getting out in nature, that is so good for your mind, body and soul. My head felt more clear. I was getting exercise and working on my step count and it feels great for the soul. Taking a walk in nature is calming and rejuvenating. An article on Treehugger.com states humans are meant to spend time in nature, but far too often we forget about its importance. Scientific studies have shown these benefits to be real.
“Research has shown that people with a greater sense of vitality don’t just have more energy for things they want to do, they are also more resilient to physical illnesses. One of the pathways to health may be to spend more time in natural settings.” (University of Rochester)
Well that sounds perfect to me; more energy for life in general and resilient to illness. Having that time to relax and revitalise means I’ll be a better writer, wife, step-mum and dog-mum, because I’ve taken some time for my own self-care. It also tires Harvey out of course, so that’s always a bonus for when I want to come home and get on with things, feeling fresh and ready to work.
But when I was there, I wasn’t thinking about that. I had this overall feeling of everything slowing down and enjoying the now. I was also really pleased that I’d taken myself away from the home/work environment. The country park often runs groups or events and I started seeing various signs. I stopped to read this one pinned to a tree and I couldn’t help think it was a wonderful example of a mindfulness exercise. Even though it looked like it was probably for a specific class or group-I think it is a great idea for everyone walking in the park or out in nature. It made me stop for 30 seconds and think about the answer.
As he had had a run-about, I felt brave and took Harvey into the town centre and into a coffee shop. I had several compliments on what a good boy he was and isn’t he calm! He was both of those things but if only they’d seen him running through the park! I sat with a coffee, reading my self-development book and occasionally giving Harvey a fuss or a treat. Well how could I not, with that face!
By the time we got home. Harvey was ready to sleep for the rest of the afternoon and I felt re-energised to get back to the laptop. We all need self-care and to look after our wellbeing. Use the opportunities open to you, focus on just those at the time and enjoy life in a mindful way!
Do you spend time in nature? Is it something you could do more of?
Have you joined my Facebook group? Shine in Self-Care
[…] Further reading: Three Ways to Increased Wellbeing by being in Nature […]
[…] good for the mind, body and soul. I recently wrote a post about my walk in nature, you can read it here. Even if you think you don’t feel like it, within minutes you’ll feel the benefit and […]
[…] Further reading: Three Ways to Increased Wellbeing by Being in Nature […]
[…] Yes I know, it is probably the last thing you feel like doing. Getting outside, having fresh air is so good for the soul. If you are interesting in reading about my walk in nature, this week, it’s here. […]
[…] go back to what you were doing with a fresh focus. The second thing to try is to get active, go and have a walk and experience nature. If this isn’t possible for some reason, then simply spend some time in your […]
[…] Read more: 3 Ways to Increased Wellbeing by Being in Nature […]