Self-care Challenge- Day 19: Nature

Today, I challenge you to go outside and be in nature for a few minutes.

Did you just cringe? Did you just shake your head no? Did you feel a physical negative reaction to that statement?

I definitely know that feeling. Especially if you live in the Pacific Northwest like I do. The weather is starting to turn grey and cloudy. But, there are a lot of benefits for mental health when we connect with nature.

According to the American Psychological Association, in 2016, Americans spent around 10 hours looking at screens A DAY. A lot of this is because many of us use computers at our workplace. If our workday maxes out at 8 hours, we are still spending an additional 2 hours looking at screens. I don’t know about you, but I know that I’m probably doomscrolling during those two hours.

What if, instead of looking at your screen for 2 hours, you took a leisurely walk outside? A 2015 study at Stanford University found that walking in nature for 90 minutes showed decreased activity in the part of the brain that is associated with depression.

This page on the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ website has more articles (including the Stanford study) talking about the benefits of nature on mental health.

We often get so wrapped up in our work and staying informed (via social media) that our own wellbeing becomes an afterthought. One small thing we can do today is spend a few minutes outside, getting some sun on our face, breathing some fresh air, and connecting with nature. Our screens will still be there when we come back.

What is does your ideal outdoor setting look like?

If you’re interested in more info about the self-care challenge, check it out here.

Thank you!

^{((Cover Photo by ME! Those are my babies…))}