I used to love summer as a child.
Those carefree, school-less days filled with chilled watermelon and ice-cream, endless cartoons and cold-e-sac games. Just thinking about it brings a nostalgic smile to my face. Indeed, growing up, summer was my favorite season of them all.
But as I grew older, I began to develop a deeper appreciation for another season—the fall. Once my school days were over and I found myself in the “real world”, I started to appreciate the very season I used to dread. I grew to love the beauty, wonders, smells, changing of seasons, and everything else, that fall has to offer.
As the air cools and daylight wanes, we naturally settle back into our usual routines. The pace of life slows to a comfortable rhythm, allowing us to catch our breath.
I feel more grounded, more balanced and more content in the fall. I look forward to it all year long and wait for it with eager anticipation.
So, as temperatures start to drop, I encourage you to get out of the house and into nature as much as possible!
Research demonstrates that being outside and experiencing nature has many benefits.
Many of us are in front of a screen for much of our day — whether that be a computer, TV, or smartphone. As a result, we spend less time outside experiencing the natural world. Here are some reasons why we all can benefit from taking a nature break.
1. Nature can help us improve our thinking, reasoning, and other mental abilities
When we're in urban environments or the office all day, we can experience sensory overload, resulting in tension and mental fatigue. Studies have shown that our minds and bodies relax in a natural setting. This increases feelings of pleasure and can help us concentrate and focus more effectively,
Being outdoors can also have relaxing effects on our minds. Nature can provide a mental break by allowing us to temporarily escape the demands of everyday life. It can also boost your creativity and problem solving abilities.
For example, if you're having a mental block writing a paper or can't seem to solve a problem at work, step outside for a breath of fresh air. Take an easy walk around your neighborhood or office. You just might find the answers you were looking for.
2. Nature can improve physical wellness
Getting out into nature can lead us to want to walk, bike, hike, or kayak more often. People typically engage in regular physical activity when they're in nature. So, stepping outside can help you keep a healthy weight or even lose weight by increasing activity levels.
Studies also show that being in nature has a positive effect on our bodies by reducing cortisol levels, muscle tension, and demands on our cardiovascular system, (lowers heart rate and blood pressure. Being out in nature often may lead to lower rates of heart disease. The great outdoors can also help you increase your vitamin D level, which is important for your bones, blood cells, and immune system.
3. Being outside can improve your mental health
Nature can help decrease your anxiety levels and can help lessen stress and feelings of anger. Exercise can also help this, but it's even better when you're outside.
Regular access to green spaces has been linked to lower risks of depression and improved concentration and attention. Being outside allows us to be social and come together with family, friends, or even people you don't know while on a hiking trail, for example.
Additionally, you may find that you sleep better when you are regularly outside. Daily exposure to natural light helps regulate sleep/wake cycles. By making sure that you get outside in sunlight every day, you can improve your ability to sleep at night.
Fall in Texas is beautiful! Whatever activity you choose… choose to be outside. Take deeper breaths, look around at the changing trees and leaves, and stop to smell the flowers. Your heart and mind will thank you.
Much love,
Allison
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