Nature inspires…
As conscious consumers we put in a lot of work to preserve what matters to us and we face a lot of challenges. It’s not easy to be an environmentalist and read news about Trump’s plans to limit the EPA and increase fossil fuel extraction.
It’s good to be informed, but constantly reading negative news will take it’s toll and it’s important to remind yourself what’s worth fighting for.
So while this may be the easiest and most enjoyable habit of all, it’s also one of the most important. Because without the inspiration to make a change, all other efforts will be mute.
Habit #29: Enjoy nature regularly so you can stay inspired
More Benefits
Apart from inspiring us to stay true to our eco habits, nature can help decrease:
- stress
- anxiety
- depression
Good News: You don’t have to backpack the John Muir Trail to get these health benefits. A Stanford study showed that just taking a walk through a natural area such as a park can have considerable health benefits.
What’s your daily nature fix?
Use a habit you already have to make it easier to add a new habit you want…
When you pair a nature activity with something you already do daily it becomes an easy habit rather than another line on your to-do list. If you associate a nature walk with something else in your routine like morning coffee or your lunch break, it will seamlessly integrate into your day to day life.
- Take your dogs to the park for their morning walk
- Walk to lunch from work (and plan out a route with nature in it)
- Go for a bike ride after dinner
- Work in the garden twice a week
- (see more in the resources section)
Your Action Item
Get out! Try to enjoy nature on a daily basis, even if it’s just a lunch time walk in the park. You’ll be surprised how much of a difference it can make in your life.
Resources:
Stanford researchers find mental health prescription: Nature
A simple study with clear results. Watch this two minute video to see how science is proving that our connection to nature has health implications.
The Psychological Benefits of Spending Time in Nature
Along with explaining how nature improves mental health, this article has several more tips on how you can integrate nature into your daily life.
6 Amazing Things That Happen When You Spend Time in Nature
The title says it all… this is a quick read!