3 Reasons to Breathe in Some Nature

There are many reasons to go outside and enjoy nature and the great outdoors.  Not that you actually need a reason, but if you do, here are 3 of them:

1.  Our Creativity and Mental Well-Being Increases ~ As we lead our hectic, busy lives, it's important to get a change of scenery to truly clear our minds and think about something different than what we've been thinking about at work or home.  By getting outside, it allows us to focus on something besides what we do all day, everyday, and this allows space for creativity and new ideas and thoughts to flow.  It takes us out of our head and more into our heart and how we are feeling. 
2. Lowers Stress ~  Our environment can determine how we are feeling at any given moment.  An unpleasant environment can cause stress and anxiety which can lead to elevated heart rate and blood pressure, weakening our immune system.  On the flip side, a pleasant environment can have more positive results.  Studies have shown there are physical effects on the brain when going outside even for a few minutes.  Lower levels of stress hormones are found even when going for a short walk.  
3. Connects Us To the Earth ~ As we tend to spend more time indoors, and connected and plugged into technology, we sometimes forget about the great outdoors and the rhythms of nature. When we lose sight of this, we can lose sight of who we are deep down.  Getting your hands in the dirt, working in the garden, sitting on the patio or going for a stroll, not only can have great benefits to our overall well-being but it connects us and allows us to be more in-tune with the Earth.  By doing these simple things, our awareness to our environment and sense of community increases, which reconnects us to ourselves and to each other.  

So next time you feel that tug on your heart strings to go in the backyard, dig in the dirt, or go to the park, go ahead and listen to your inner being.  Your to-do list can wait a moment. Get outside and breathe in some nature.