Sometimes life just pulls us down with all the expectations of our family, friends, jobs, and the hustle and bustle of everyday tasks. When this happens, I start daydreaming about Henry David Thoreau. 2 years, 2 months, and 2 days in a cabin in the woods sounds like heaven. Of course, the grass is always greener, right? There’s no guarantee there’ll be cell service and data. As nice as unplugging for weeks or months sounds, it’s pure madness! I say this as a joke but it’s partly true.
I’m not going to spend a couple months in the woods ditching my phone and all of society. However, I still need some way to recharge and feel reinvigorated. Enter nature. I don’t need to run off into the woods for long periods of time. Simply sitting in my backyard looking at the blue sky and the fluffy clouds can be enough for me. I’m fortunate to live in an area that has so much wildlife because I get to listen to all manners of birds singing as well as frogs and other critters. If I need more distance, I have woods everywhere. Jake and I often explore the woods to see what we can discover. There’s a wonderful feeling about being surrounded by life. I’m sure you’re not surprised, but I’m quite the tree hugger. After all, you did come to the blog Beside the Tree.
In all seriousness, the stress relieving qualities of just taking a walk outside is magnificent. Going outside can boost the mental wellbeing of just about anybody! You can find more information about it here at psychcentral.com and here at the University of Michigan!
I find that simply sitting or walking and seeing all the different shades of green and hearing all the animals, it’s all incredibly relaxing. That connection with nature is so powerful for me and I hope it’s equally as powerful for others. I don’t unplug for a few months or a few weeks or even a few days. But I will unplug for a few hours and take a walk, marveling at the extremely tall trees, taking in the details of the bark and leaves, and wondering how old they are. I smile as the wind blows through the leaves giving off a soothing and blissful sound. There is so much beauty to be admired and I find I can’t help but smile and breathe calmly.
Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or beaten down by human interactions of any kind or you just need to recharge, I urge you to go outside even for a bit. This mostly stands during spring, summer, and fall. I love winter too, don’t get me wrong. I mean all those snowmen and the hush of the world is magical by itself. Buuuuut, going for a walk and enjoying nature in the frigid cold isn’t for everyone. During the months where plants and animals are thriving vibrantly, go out and notice all the life that surrounds you. It’s truly incredible and humbling.
Sometimes I do this exercise when I’m outside to help me remain present. I’ll try my hardest to clear my mind of anything but the life that’s around me. Whether it’s a small wolf spider crawling along the grass, the tall tree that’s in my backyard, or the birds flying overhead, I will try to only notice, think about, and marvel at them.
When I find a thought enters my mind about my day or what needs to be done, I’ll turn my attention back to nature. These creatures are just living. They’re not overthinking their decision, they’re not stressing about the house, they’re not thinking about their past (probably). They simply are here and focused on the day and task at hand. And during this time, I like to simply be as well. There’s a wonderful feeling that comes with this connection, a true breath of fresh air. It truly can work wonders for your mental health.
Mental Health Exercises in Nature
Mindfulness
As I said before, the next time you’re feeling worn down, try to get outside and connect with nature. Here a few things you can do to help you stay mindful and to enjoy nature.
- Search out all of the flowers and pick your favorite. Why is it your favorite?
- Listening to birds
- How many colors can you spot?
- Find five different leaf patterns
- Sit under a tree for a bit and notice the sensations all around you.
Exercise Outdoors
If you go to the gym or have a treadmill at home, try going for a jog or run outside while it’s nice! Do some stretches or yoga in the morning sun. While exercise is great for your mental health, exercising outside can add more to your overall mental wellbeing according to a 2010 study. Find some exercises that you can do outside! I personally like going outside in the morning because there’s something wonderful about fresh morning air, the dew on the grass, and the beautiful color of the sky. But maybe you’d prefer dusk or evening for your outdoor exercises.
Start a Small Garden
If you want a reason to be outside everyday, start a garden! You can grow beautiful flowers, healthy foods, and delicious herbs. It doesn’t have to be huge. You can start a small garden or even create a garden filled with container plants. When I lived in an apartment, I filled up our apartment porch with many container plants that were fun and easy to take care of. By tending a garden, watering it everyday, and caring for plants, you’ll feel your mood improve along with a greater connection with nature.
Going to the Park
If you’re not a fan of gardening, you can still surround yourself with nature by going to a park. We have quite a few beautiful parks around us and I’m sure you do too! Do some research and go exploring parks to see which one vibes with you. You may even find a favorite spot among the trees or in a field. At one park we like to go to, there’s a beautiful pond with a dock and benches on it. Jacob and I greatly enjoy sitting on one of the benches while we can watch the ducks, feel the breeze off the pond, and just relax.
Bring the Outside Indoors
If it’s too hot or too cold to go out, fill your house with a few tropical indoor plants! Most of them are extremely easy to take care of. They look great in your house and add a touch of beauty to any room you put them in! After just a few days of adding a houseplant to your living area, you may find an improvement in your mood.
Whether you choose to garden, go for walks, exercise outdoors, or just stare at your houseplants, make sure to go outside and enjoy what nature has to offer!