James Metcalfe
With the emerging scorching weather that comes part and parcel with the summer, most people have this almost sudden urge to get out into the world and get that bit more close to nature. Knowing how to truly feel the marvelous effects of such an endeavor can prove to be difficult for some however, which is where these 10 expert-chosen tips come in to play…
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#1 Walk
Take some time to walk instead of defaulting to driving everywhere. You might think there's no point because you'll just be on the sidewalk right next to the road; you might think it's not even experiencing nature because you're not at a proper park or hike, but try it! Even though you're on the same path, you'll notice so much more: you might stop to observe a butterfly, you might chuckle at a squirrel running by with stuffed cheeks, you might notice an interesting tree. The smallest things will delight you when you just make the time to be open to experiencing them.
Contributor: Kay Winters from pawsandpines.com
#2 Go Barefoot
While many of us may live in urban, built-up areas, it’s still important to get out into nature—without our shoes—even if it’s the nature strip outside our front door. We have become accustomed to wearing shoes in our every day, but this disconnects us from the earth. One of the most important habits we can adopt is putting our bare feet directly onto the earth. Science confirms that our disconnection with the earth may be a major contributor to physiological dysfunction and becoming unwell.
Contributor: Shannon Dunn from ecobeautyeditor.com
#3 Swap In Natural Alternatives
It doesn’t have to be an “everything at once” commitment to go eco / get closer to nature in your everyday life. Specific to personal care, it can simply be a case of replacing products that you use most often to more natural alternatives.
Many skincare, haircare and personal care products are full of chemicals that can be a serious threat to our health and wellbeing. The skin is the body’s largest organ. What we put on our skin, goes within—directly into our bloodstream. It’s also important to look for certified natural (NATRUE), organic (COSMOS), made with safe ingredients (MADESAFE) and cruelty-free (LEAPING BUNNY).
Contributor: Shannon Dunn from ecobeautyeditor.com
#4 Move Out There!
My tip to getting closer to nature is to move there. I used to love living downtown in the city, but started to miss grass and nature. I just wanted to stick my hands in the dirt, to garden, and be around animals. So, my partner and I found remote jobs and moved out to the country. I think that as remote jobs keep increasing we're going to start seeing a migration from large cities to small towns.
Contributor: Laura Cabrera from girlvsgrid.com
#5 Make Use Of The Woods
Researchers in Japan are studying the positive benefits of spending time in the woods and have found that it lowers the levels of cortisol, the hormone that rises when we’re under stress and is the root of many serious illnesses. Spending time with trees also lowers blood pressure and pulse rate and triggers a dramatic increase in the activity of NK or “natural killer” cells, which are produced by the immune system to ward off infection and fight cancer.
Contributor: Milana Perepyolkina from gypsyenergysecrets.com
#6 Take Nature Walks With Family Members
Invite your family or friends to join you in the woods. Research has found that connecting with nature provides a measurable psychological lift, significantly lowers the risk for depression, lessens stress and enhances a sense of well-being. Walkers in rural areas reported less stress, less negativity and greater well-being than those who walked on city streets... And people who had recently experienced stressful life events like a serious illness or the death of a loved one especially benefit from the outdoor walks.
Contributor: Milana Perepyolkina from gypsyenergysecrets.com
#7 Enjoy The Sunrise
Every single morning, the first thing you should do is step outside. Even before looking at that dang phone! Going outside first thing in the morning and allowing the sun to touch your skin and reach your eyes will immediately wake up your mitochondrial cells (the energy cells of the body), boost metabolism, and increase focus. It also will decrease the stress hormone cortisol, which leads to benefits such as weight loss and a happier mood! Bonus points if you get outside with no shoes. Go bare feet to the grass for amazing anti-inflammatory health benefits of grounding!
Contributor: Maggie Berghoff from maggieberghoff.com
#8 Stop and Savour
I have found a few ways I can get closer to nature right in the middle of the city. The key is to STOP. I need to come to the full stop, i.e. stop worrying, stop thinking, stop anything and sit by a tree or walk barefoot on a grass. Even a small patch of grass is enough. And this simple technique does marvels. Just 2 minutes of barefoot walking is enough to bring back the smile.
Contributor: Anton Gorlin from antongorlin.com
#9 Pets!
Adopt an animal buddy. Having another living thing in your home, and sharing your life with it, can make you closer to nature. This is most evident with cats and dogs - since they have a real personality to speak of - but any living thing could do.
Contributor: Caleb Backe from mapleholistics.com
#10 Eat Outside
If it's a nice day out, set up a table in your lawn or balcony and eat outside. It's such a simple change, but such a memorable experience.
Contributor: Kay Winters from pawsandpines.com
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