Now that technology dominates every aspect of our lives, living in this virtual world can easily diminish our natural energy if we allow it to. Are you familiar with the term "Nature Deficit Disorder"? Richard Louv, the Co-Founder, and Chairman, Emeritus of the Children & Nature Network, coined the term and is at the forefront of the "Nature Movement" working to connect children and their families to nature.
Louv is focused on a great objective, but we may have skipped a generation or two, and those adults need a little reconnection on their own. Do you? How often do you get outside just for the purpose of cleaning your mind?
Often our busy schedules dictate the amount of downtime we enjoy when we really need to be proactive and make time to relax. Don't just plan your once-a-year vacation, but schedule yourself daily breathing room. Just half an hour a day to take a walk outside, inhale the fresh air, feel the sunshine on your face, or even let your hair soak up a few sprinkles of rain - this nature connection can do more than help lift your spirits and elevate your mood.
As the flowers begin to bloom and the grass grows greener, it's time to step outside and enjoy the fresh air. If you haven't made the time to experience a little movement in nature, spring is the perfect time to try exercising outdoors.
You can make it as challenging as you want, and studies are finding that it isn't just a great health benefit, but improves your state of mind. Remember when we kids (pre-technology) and we climbed trees, played in the mud, and ran through the grass?
Revisit that time now as an adult and if you don't have those childhood memories, it's never too late to create them.
A recent Scottish health study found that walking, running, biking, and other outdoor activities through green space lowered stress and boosted mental health. Prevent depression and a multitude of other ailments just by reconnecting yourself with nature. No matter how you find an activity, just get outside and move in nature!