Wellness Now: Your Oasis in a Hectic Day
"Now shall I walk or shall I ride?
'Ride,' Pleasure said. 'Walk,' Joy replied."
~ W.H. Davies  

Feeling stuck? Anxious? Unfocused? Try this: Go outside and take a walk. Connecting with nature and changing your outer environment can have a beneficial effect on your inner landscape, too.

We're awfully good at finding excuses to not go out. Here are some old standards: It’s raining. It’s too hot. It’s too cold. I’m too tired. I'm too busy. I forgot. I'll go mañana .

No more excuses. Just do it. Getting outside and putting one foot in front of the other might just cure what ails you.

May you be well,
Olivia (aka, Ohm)
Relaxation Coach, Workshop Facilitator & Author
Get Your Dose of Vitamin N

Vitamin N for Nature, that is! According to numerous scientific studies, potential benefits may include:

  • Tension release as stress hormone levels fall
  • Improved mental clarity, memory & concentration
  • Increased creativity
  • Decreased heart rate & blood pressure
  • Stronger immune system & improved health
  • Better circulation
  • Endorphin release (aka, "happy hormones")

Hospital patients with a view of nature have faster recovery rates than patients without a view. Even looking at pictures of nature can be beneficial. But nothing beats the real thing! It's the perfect season to lace up your sneakers, get outside and give your physical, mental and emotional health a boost.

Below are links to more information about the benefits of connecting to nature.

Scientific Benefits of Spending Time Outside

How Nature Is Good for Our Health & Happiness

How Nature Resets Our Minds & Bodies

And for ideas of some great places to walk:

Mass Audubon Society

Trustees of the Reservations

National Parks

Experience the Joys of Eco-Therapy!

Walk at a pace that feels perfect for you. Engage your senses: Notice the breeze on your skin. Listen to the sounds. Really see what's around you. As always, focus on your breath, which gives you the energy you need to move. Be grateful for your strong feet, ankles, calf and thigh muscles that propel you along your journey.

After returning to work or home, take a moment to check in. How are you feeling mentally, physically, emotionally? 

Aren’t you glad you got outside? Do it again tomorrow!

"...the moment my legs begin to move
my thoughts begin to flow. " ~ Henry David Thoreau