Naturally Unplugged. . .
The demands of modern life require us to be constantly “plugged in” through e-mail, cell phones, texting, and more. We live in an age when stress seems to be around every corner, at the office, at the store, even working from home. You might feel as if your senses are constantly being bombarded, from work and at home. As a result, stress might have led you to the breaking point.
Nature offers bountiful opportunities for relieving stress and it’s free! It might seem old-fashioned to “commune with nature,” but it can be incredibly useful, decreasing your stress level immediately.
First, you must be willing to take the time to take-in nature and all its beauty. Often, we feel overwhelmed by commitments that in fact, that we become guilty if we take time out for ourselves. However, if we are to successfully combat stress, we absolutely must reserve time for stress-relief, and nature can be one of the best stress relievers available.
Each season offers its own unique way of stress relief. In the autumn, we can be soothed by the multi-colored leaves on the trees, the sounds of crunching leaves under our feet, and seeing lovely orange October skies. Or enjoying those “Indian summer” days!
In the winter, we can take brisk walks through snow, and watching the flakes delicately float down to earth. We can be energized by the brisk winds and frigid temperatures. We can also gain a certain amount of confidence in battling the elements, helping to relieve our stress level.
In the spring, we can enjoy the true rebirth of nature. We can experience the scent of flowers just beginning to bloom…the essence and loveliness of plants that have survived winter’s scourge…and listen to the birds chirping in the trees. Gazing at trees just beginning to bud can be incredibly soothing after a stressful day on the job.
Meanwhile, in the summer, we can experience nature at its most vibrancy. We can enjoy the scent of the grass after the lawn has just been mowed; and watch the trees gently waving in the summer breeze. We can revel in the sun’s rays, or enjoy the soothing sounds of a gentle summer shower. There are also a number of nature-related activities we can engage in in order to relax. For instance, walking offers a tremendous opportunity to see the splendor of nature up close and personal. Walking can also clear your mind and have more clarity. Skiing allows us to enjoy winter’s white beauty, while a game of Frisbee can be a fun activity on a summer afternoon. Because nature offers such a feast for the senses, enjoying the outdoors can bring a sense of calm and tranquility to our lives that few other things can.
Some people have found a relaxing nature-related hobby with gardening. Planting flowers, trimming bushes, and container gardening can help relax both the mind and the body. Others have found that yard work can help to reduce stress. Activities such as mowing the lawn, raking leaves, or shoveling snow can help to remove us from sources of stress, giving us a much-needed break.
You may be so inspired by nature meditating on their deck, listening to things you hear. Such quietness can be tremendously peaceful, especially when outdoors in the fresh air. Lying in a chaise lounge under a tree, journaling or writing poems, can get your creative juices flowing—and lower your stress level in the process.
It can provide you with a welcome sanctuary from the world of blaring stereos and non-stop TV chatter. Sitting on your deck, just to relax and enjoy the breeze or meditating can elevate your vibrations to be more in touch with yourself, and getting grounded.
Even if you don’t consider yourself a nature lover, brief periods outdoors can give you a new sense of purpose. Just a few minutes in the outdoors can reduce our stress level dramatically. By experiencing the beauty of nature, we can become more relaxed and better able to take on life’s challenges. With such a positive outlook, your ability to handle stress will be enhanced. In essence, spending a few moments outdoors is like taking a mini-vacation from the rigors of your daily life.
Peace and Love, Jim
#unplugged #thedailybuddha
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