Ok, so, here’s the thing. This post was supposed to be a cute lil  “benefits of nature walks” list type of blog. And while being outdoors can definitely be a simple thing that brings more joy to your life… sometimes you realize the real benefits on your darker days.

This past week I have been in a deep rut. My motto for everything has been “what’s the point?” which is very out of character for me. I’ve cried a few times. Wanted to scream and throw things. Break things. Crawling out of my skin with impatience. 

I don’t want to be at a 9-5 anymore. But to get out of that, I need more time. And with my time right now, I feel like I have to choose between 1) eating and sleeping healthy, 2) nature walks, time outside, gardening, and 3) finally getting this blog launched and getting the next phase freaking STARTED. 

And as much as I LOVE our home, I want to be closer to having our farm. 

I want more. 

I want it all.

It’s time to get going.

One thing that helped me get out of this rut was going on my daily nature walks. At one particularly low point, I was supposed to be going to the grocery store, but instead I walked out of the house and just kept walking. 

I went on a longer walk, over to the cemetery next to our neighborhood. It’s one of those peaceful zen cemeteries with lots of trees and wind chimes. It’s great.

On my way there I cried that wheezing kind of can’t-take-a-full-breath-in-almost-on-the-brink-of-a-panic-attack cry. I continued this even after I saw a small group of people grieving at a grave site. Actually it made me cry harder because I felt bad for their loss and pain. Ok yes, but sheesh. 

About a half mile into my walk, I finally started to calm down. 

To take deep breaths. 

To find some perspective.

And to start observing the simple beauty around me.

There’s more to this story, but that’s for another day. What this experience reminded me of is the immense power of nature and movement. 

A few years ago I got super bitter about the amount of time I was spending indoors. Constantly working, sitting at my computer, staring at a screen.

So I started reading a bunch of books on the benefits of nature, nature therapy, forest bathing, and more. One of my favorites that had the biggest impact on me was The Nature Fix by Florence Williams.

If you’re at all interested in reconnecting with nature, I highly recommend this book.

(and here are a few others for good measure: Your Guide to Forest Bathing; The Earth Prescription; The Nature Principle)

Through all my research, I found definite themes that should really just be common sense, but in our indoor- / screen- based society… it takes people writing multiple books and doing years and years of research to get people to listen 🙃

So if you’re looking to reconnect with nature, here’s what spending even as little as 10 minutes outside per day could do for you (not even walking… just BEING outside), get ready.

Note: I am not a medical professional, so if any of these sound intriguing to you and like a route you want to pursue, I encourage you to do more research and discuss with your doctor where appropriate.

1. Can help treat depression — I read one book that said a certain amount of morning time outside is more effective than antidepressants… pretty bold statement

2. Can help lower high blood pressure — studies have been done measuring this

3. Can reduce stress — as in actually lowering your cortisol levels

4. Can increase your white blood cell count — the killer white blood cells that are helping attack 

5. Can help bring more mindfulness — stepping away from the constant screens, notifications, and distractions, and instead observing nature can be a form of meditation

6. Can help regulate your sleep — sunlight before noon can help regulate your circadian rhythm and sleep hormones

7. Can reduce inflammation — again, there are studies that have tested certain levels in the body before and after, not just “I feel better” anecdotes

8. Can help prevent allergies — apparently spending more time outside while pregnant can lead to lower tendencies for allergic disorders

9. Can help alleviate anxiety and behavior disorders — clearly all of the above items contribute to this one

The only thing left to do now… is go outside. Go sit on your porch. Go on a nature walk. Go listen to the birds. Feel the sunshine. Feel the rain. Do it.

And if you’re looking for community, join us in the #dailynaturewalks challenge: