6 Simple Ways to Strengthen Your Connection with Nature & Your Health

Wanna know what’s right around the corner?

The first day of fall.

Eeeek!!

On September 22nd, we say goodbye to the dog-days of summer and officially welcome fall.

For those who dread leaving summer behind - don’t fret - because fall lends an extended period of time for us to comfortably continue to connect and be one with nature before the bitter cold bites.

Why is it so important to connect with nature?

Well for starters - air, sunlight and water are vital to sustain life. Connecting with nature reeps a variety of health benefits such as mental clarity, enhanced mood and a boost in self-esteem and resilience against stress and adversity.

Here are my 6 favorite ways to strengthen your connection with nature.

Take a walk

Taking a walk in nature, no matter how long or short, is a great way to connect with nature. Practice mindfulness by incorporating your 5 senses during your walk: take notice of the variety of animals you see; feel the wind against your arm; stop to smell the roses; hug a tree; say hello to a stranger. Practice gratitude by using your walk time to reflect on what and who you’re grateful for in your life. Both of these practices require you to leave your cellphone and earbuds at home.

Visit a body of water

This can be a lake, ocean, river, waterfall, pond, stream or pool. The ideal situation is to immerse yourself completely by swimming or floating, however you can simply put your feet in the water, sit and meditate or journal nearby, play in the sand, skip rocks, etc. Do whatever is comfortable for you and does not pose any hazard to your health or others.

Listen to nature

Some days I like to sit either on my front porch or back patio and listen to nature. I start off with closing my eyes and doing 4 sets of deep breathing. I then tune into nature and listen. It’s so relaxing to hear the different songs of the birds, crickets, frogs and buzzing of the bumble bees. I take notice to other sounds such as the neighbors dog or planes flying overhead. I sit on my porch when it’s raining and do the same. Such a tranquil moment - listening and sometimes feeling raindrops on my skin.

Stand in the rain

The first time I intentionally stood in the rain, it felt awkward as I was highly concerned about what the neighbors would think or say if they caught a glimpse of me out there. That worry didn’t last long and my standing sometimes turns into dancing in the rain! Standing (or dancing) in the rain is a great way to intentionally release worries, doubts, fears or anything not serving your highest good and purpose. It’s utilizing nature to let go and wash away feelings or thoughts holding you back from your highest good and purpose. As you stand, barefoot in the grass, state aloud or in your head what you want to release and let go for good! When you’re done, be sure to express gratitude to mother nature and the rain. I don’t recommend this method during a lighting or thunder storm - just saying.

Moon gaze

The sun gets a ton more attention for it’s beautiful sunrises and sunsets, but there’s majestic beauty in the moon as well. The moon offers eight different phases starting with new moon to full moon over a 28 day period. The new and full moon are my favorite phases. When the moon is in the new phase - this is the energy of new beginnings. This is the time to set intentions and plant seeds of your hearts desires. When the moon is full, this is the energy of gratitude of what has come to fruition for you and also time to release and let go of anything no longer serving you or your highest good and purpose.

Use crystals

Crystals are nothing new under the sun. In fact, the use of crystals date back millennia by our ancestors and in a variety of cultures to heal, bring balance and protection. You can say that crystal energy healing is making a come-back as more people seek natural and holistic alternatives to support healing - mentally, emotionally and physically. With that being said, crystals are a great way to connect with nature as they are formed within the Earth’s core - some over 4 billion years ago! Crystals absorb, release and magnify energy that balance emotions, support healing and transformation through positive mindset and manifestation. Each stone vibrates at its own unique and energetic frequency which connects and harmonizes with your own energy field stimulating a positive shift emotionally, physically and spiritually.

Start today with deepening your connection with nature and boosting your mental, emotional and physical health with these 6 simple steps.

Live life abundantly,

Denise

Chief Energy Officer

Positive Life Haven