Embracing the Greenhouse Effect: Revitalizing Wellness through Outdoor Adventures
Consider 4 ways to use nature to recharge for a full body reset.
By Lauren Kimbrough, ALC with Live and Love Wellness
When was the last time you truly took a break from the demands of daily life?
If you’re like most of us, it’s probably been quite a while. With the constant buzz of work, phones, computers, and the never-ending mental chatter, disconnecting has become a rare luxury in today’s fast-paced world, especially during busier times like the holidays.
Take a moment to breathe.. know that you’re not alone.
Throughout this year, a recurring theme in my conversations with clients, friends and family has been the significance of disconnecting to reconnect. You might be wondering what that really means, and how to make it happen, especially in the midst of a busy schedule.
In my personal journey, I have found so much peace, joy and healing in travel, adventures in the great outdoors, and being in nature. Whether celebrating life’s highs or navigating the lows, nature has been a constant source of connection, grounding and rejuvenation.
From hiking, biking, skiing to fishing, you name it – if it is outside, I’m loving it. There is a healing power in the outdoors, and it contributes, not only to an active and healthy lifestyle, but also enhancing mood, mental health, and overall well-being.
Research actually shows that there are remarkable benefits to spending time in green spaces, including increased life expectancy, improved sleep quality, and reduced cancer risk. Nature definitely serves as medicine for the soul.
Lysa Terkeurst’s Proverbs 31 Ministries offers daily devotions and just this week one of the excerpts was from Ruth Simons titled “Awe and Wonder”. Ruth simply asked, “When was the last time you stood outside and took a moment to look up at the stars?” She went on to say that “It’s hard to be full of praise and adoration when we are filled with worry and striving.”
God and His design for us are much more complex and extravagant than we know. In the dizzying array of technology and man-made creations, it’s easy to be in awe of the work of our own hands, forgetting that the very breath we breathe is a gift from God. In this way, miracles happen every day. They may not look like the literal parting of the Red Sea, but God makes a way through the wilderness each and every day of our lives.
As Isaiah 43:19 says,
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
One of the greatest gifts we have is nature and God’s creation – the wilderness. Get out there, embrace it, enjoy it – whether it‘s a high season or a low season for you, He will make a way for you.
As we approach the end of the year and welcome 2024, consider incorporating a small new habit into your daily routine. Commit to it for 21 days, and observe the positive changes in your body, mood, sleep and relationships.
Consider these few simple ways to disconnect and ground yourself, both on a daily basis and on a larger scale through travel and adventure. Remember, you deserve to prioritize your health and well-being.
4 Ways to Disconnect to Reconnect:
1. Morning ritual:
Before reaching for your phone, Spin, 5 to 10 minutes, Outdoors, whether on the porch or buy an open window. Use this time for journaling, prayer, or simply enjoying the quiet while listening to the birds. Challenge yourself to jot down three things. You’re grateful for each morning.
2. Nature Walks:
Take a 30 minute break from work to go on a walk outside. Engage your senses by noticing what you hear, C. and smell around you. It’s not about how long you walk for, but the action of doing it. 10 minutes can be more impactful than you think!
3. Grounding in nature: i
f you have access to a yard or grass space, step outside, barefoot in the morning with your coffee. The earths, natural grounding energy can be invigorating and grounding, offering a simple, free way to connect with nature and yourself.
4. Plan a wellness adventure!
Looking ahead to the new year, many of us may be planning trips, like family, getaways, friendships, or spring break. I hope you’ll consider joining one of my wellness retreats! The retreats provide a true opportunity to disconnect, prioritize, your health, and embrace life.
Our next stop is a winter escape in Powder Mountain, Utah this January and February. & We still have some spaces if you’re looking for a last minute getaway with friends or loved ones! In April will be in the magical beaches and rainforest of Costa Rica and next Fall, I’ll be hosting my 3rd women’s wellness retreat on the beautiful Emerald Coast of Florida.
Find out more details about my retreats here (www.landlwellness.com) and follow along on social media @liveandlovewellness
NOW is the time to reconnect with yourself, nature and your loved ones!
Lauren is a therapist and holistic nutrition coach offering individual therapy in person in Fairhope, Alabama or virtually to Alabama residents through Live and Love Wellness. www.LandLWellness.com
Sources:
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature
https://proverbs31.org (December 6, 2023: Awe and Wonder by Ruth Chou Simons.)
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