the space to surface and
process. Many of us
have experienced strong
emotional reactions while
in nature, because we are
finally in a place quiet
enough to notice our own
feelings.
Physically, our bodies
respond well to pure water,
air, and sunshine. They
offer oxygen, vitamins, and
nutrients in the simplest
of forms. This of course
also applies to the things
we ingest into our body,
as well.
It’s no wonder why most
health retreats or recovery
centers are placed in
beautiful environmental
settings. The outdoors
surrounding the facility
is usually an effective
marketing piece as we
naturally find it appealing
to our desire to heal.
This combination of
mental and emotional
shifts turns off our
bodies’ stress response.
We live in a forwardthinking
society where
it’s a race to see who can
do the most, who can
do the best, who can get
things done the fastest.
The result is that many of
us live in a constant state
of stress trying to just
keep up with everyone
around us. You may be so
accustomed to living in
this state that you are not
even aware of your own
stress response.
Unfortunately, even
if you are accustomed
to living in this state
of mind, the strain
it puts on your body
is dangerous. When
our body is under
a stress response, it
increases heart rate,
which shortens breath
(decreasing oxygen
to brain and body),
increases blood pressure,
Many of us have experienced strong
emotional reactions while in nature,
because we are finally in a place quiet
enough to notice our own feelings.
and triggers racing
thoughts. Additionally, it
shuts down any systems
not needed for survival
in the moment including
digestive system, cell
replacement and immune
system.
Our bodies try to alert us
of the damage being done
with red flags including
fatigue, headaches, muscle
tension, appetite shifts,
or gestational problems.
When we ignore those
signs or just put a bandaid
on them instead of making
necessary changes (like
drinking more caffeine
to compensate for lack
of sleep), it leads to more
severe consequences
including heart attacks
and diseases.
So outside of packing
a tent and living in the
outdoors 24/7, what’s the
solution?
What if we were able
to take some of the
experience’s nature offers
us and apply them to our
daily lives? There are many
ways we can be mindful
of the bigger picture in
life, carve out time to sit
quietly and reflect on our
thoughts, give space to
allow emotions to surface,
and provide our bodies
with natural nutrients.
Here are some examples
of how you might want to
incorporate these natural
experiences in your daily
routine:
Keep a gratitude journal
to actively notice the gifts
in your world.
Volunteer to give back
and connect with your
community.
Place live plants in your
home and office.
Replace the sounds of
electronics with a water
fountain.
Drink lots of water and
eat clean food to cleanse
your system of processed
products.
Use all-natural beauty
products.
Exercise outdoors.
Keep your space clean
and simple.
Take time regularly
to relax and practice
quieting your thoughts.
Mother nature is so
powerful that when we
are physically in a place
surrounded by her beauty,
we are almost jolted into a
state of relaxation. When
you notice the extreme
difference between that
state and your “normal”
state, note that we have
created that distance. We
have created the pressure,
distractions, and processed
products.
We also have the power
to redirect ourselves
back toward nature and
a healthier way of living.
Making your health a
priority is a choice. Not
everyone will share this
same value with you. I
encourage you to embrace
your health as a core value
anyway. By doing so, you
will not only live a longer
more fulfilling life, you will
be a healthy role model to
inspire those around you.
“Returning Home”
Kristin Woodling will be presenting in April at
EverythingBrevard’s annual women’s wellness
symposium, Unwrap the BEST You! She will help
attendees develop a maintenance plan so they can
continue the wellbeing and personal growth that
will take place during this special weekend.
Learn more at UnwrapTheBESTYou.com
march ‘20 // 021
/UnwrapTheBESTYou.com