Benefits of Nature!

Spring gets me up and moving in the right direction. It’s the time of the year when I start thinking about the warmer weather, getting outdoors and losing those few extra pounds I gained during the holidays. The trees and flowers are finally starting to bloom—perfect for grilling outside!

Sitting at my desk for hours at a time every day has given me time to think; I’ve realized that I don’t need to drive myself crazy with New Year’s resolutions or with finding the ‘perfect’ healthy lifestyle to feel better. That’s right! It’s easy and free to open the door, go outside and enjoy nature. You may even lose those few extra pounds without even trying.

Enjoying the outdoors gives me a much-needed break from technology and especially from the ‘on-the-go’ lifestyle we’re all so accustomed to. I hang out with friends, spend some quiet time alone, or even play with my pets and get them out on the trail with me for a walk. Being outside just gives me a clearer, more focused mindset no matter what I’m doing.

Ready to get out there? Here are a few easy ways to work the benefits of nature into your day!

Make it a ritual. Go for a morning or evening walk every day. It’s a great way to connect with your partner, children and friends. And if you have one, bring your pooch too! Everybody underestimates the benefits of simply moving. You may even learn something new about your neighborhood or neighbors.

Commit to the outdoors, rain or shine. When you’re layered properly, you can enjoy the outdoors in all of its beautiful seasons. There are some fun and healthy outdoor activities available during the rainy or cold months, too. These are the times that we have even less interaction with nature, but it may be when we need it the most!

Visit beautiful places. For your next scheduled break, take some time to visit a state or national park or go to a beautiful beach – whatever landscape speaks to you! We all want to relax when we finally get a break from our crazy lives, but that doesn’t mean we have to be couch potatoes the whole time. The benefits of being outside (even if you’re just lounging) have been well documented.

Garden. I love to work in the yard—it’s the perfect opportunity to let my mind wander as I’m digging in the dirt. Try planting a vegetable or herb garden. It gives you the opportunity to spend more time with your family and can also be fun when it comes to cooking. I’ve also come to love my trips to the local nurseries. Wandering the aisles surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers always puts me in a good mood.

Bring in nature. Setting up bird feeders, birdbaths and water fountains brings you closer to nature. Research suggests that contact with ‘wild’ nature is beneficial to everything from stress reduction to increased creativity.

Sit outside. Beginning in the spring, I make it a point to sit outside on my deck when I get home from work. I pour myself a glass of wine, put on some music and think about what delicious dish I’m going to cook on the grill. Everyone’s always so ‘go-go-go’, it’s nice to relax. So the next time you have a break, try sitting outside quietly and just appreciate the nature around you, especially here in New Mexico!

Find a trail. Albuquerque is considered one of the most biking and hiking friendly communities in the country, for good reason. Getting away from it all is often just a short step out your door! To find one near you, you can go to: www.trails.com

Go to a local park. Ask others in your neighborhood which park is their favorite to visit. Then the next time the weather is good, trade your usual gym workout for an outdoor one. Parks also give you a way to become more involved in your community and get to know your neighbors. Finding connection is important.

Find a local dog park. Dog parks aren’t just great for your pet. When your dog is working off his pent up energy, you’ll reap the benefits of his improved behavior. Plus, playing fetch with your pal is a great way to get the exercise you need each day. And you’ll be surrounded by dog lovers like yourself to ask questions, get training tips and swap information about dog food, toys, medicines and more.

So the next time you get a chance to get outside for a walk, bike ride or hike, take the opportunity to soak in that Mother Nature! Just sayin’

Published: Apartment News Magazine – March/April issue 2013