Nature is life's medicine

There's something so refreshing about spending time outside. It's also the cheapest form of therapy you'll ever find, also known as "ecotherapy".  Studies have also shown that spending time in nature has all sorts of benefits linked to improved mental health, such as less anxiety, fewer depression symptoms, lowering stress levels, and improved focus. 

​I once came across this quote from an unknown author: "Whatever your mood, you always feel calm and nice near nature."  Honestly, it has always resonated with me, and it's what I try to keep in the back of my mind when life gets busy and stressful. 

My two dogs definitely help me get outside more often.  They need their daily walks and I use that time as a way to decompress from a long day at work.  I'd be lying if I said I enjoy getting out in the pouring rain and cold days, but the four-leggeds don't give me much of a choice.  Thankfully there's a forest next door to my place that provides us with a little bit of shelter on those dreary days. Weekends certainly give me more time to play in the outdoors, but even those two days get busy and are over in the blink of an eye. ​

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Now that winter solstice has come and gone, I'm looking forward to the days getting longer and Spring is not that far down the road.  Until then, I will continue to be the Happy Warrior I am and make the most of what Mother Nature has blessed us with.  Hey, at least we don't have hurricanes or alligators!

Tips for getting outside

• Set your alarm 30 minutes earlier and go for a walk around the block before work
• Explore a local park or trail
• Create a walking club with friends
• Got a dog?  That ones easy! 
• Take a 15 minute walk during your lunch break
• Dress in layers to keep warm
• Get yourself some good rain gear (Goretex is great)
• Walk to your local coffee shop instead of driving
• Have a bike sitting in your garage?  Tune it up, then get your helmet and take it for a spin.
• Do you live near the beach?  Call a friend and make a date to grab a coffee and skip some rocks at the beach.
• Take up a new water sport:  Stand-up Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Canoeing

Most importantly, make it fun and don't complicate things.  Start small and work your way up to longer adventures outside.  Nature is your playground!