Spending Time In Nature

Living our best lives by spending as much time in nature as we can. Getting outdoors amongst the flora boosts endorphins by Spending Time in Nature. Not only will you feel happier, you will burn some calories and strengthen muscles.

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be. — Anne Frank

We are fortunate to have a couple of forest preserves near our home. When my childrne were younger, I used to take them there for nature walks every couple of days. My children used to literally beg for me to stop by and let them explore the forest preserve. There are so many benefits to letting out children outdoors in nature everyday.

Over the years since we have lived in this area, (it’s actually hard to believe it has been 18 years already), the forest preserve has changed greatly. When my children were much younger, there was a remaining foundation of an old farm house, as well as some other older buildings and an actual chicken coop. There were a few old telephone poles and some random fences. There were also literally so many trees to climb up, on and over.

Nature always wears the colors of the spirit. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

These days, the old farm house foundation has been completely cleared, fences have been removed, the chicken coop disappeared and old telephone poles up and gone missing too. Loads of trees were simply cut down and hauled away and fields of flora have been burned to ashes. I can’t image the number of fauna who have simply lost their homes from this area. My oldest daughter is literally heart broken over this fact.

But change is always inevitable, isn’t it?

Last week, it actually warmed up enough for my daughters to ask me as I was driving by our old friend, the forest preserve, to please stop so they could walk through and explore. The sun was shining a bit this particular day, so I pulled right in so we could spend some time in nature. Spending time in nature is so important, especially when you live in an urban where the sun barely makes an appearance for months on end during the cold winter months.

Nature will bear the closest inspection. She invites us to lay our eye level with her smallest leaf, and take an insect view of its plain. -Henry David Thoreau

Here are my top 5 reasons to Spend Time in Nature:

Spending Time in Nature is Good, obviously. There are numerous studies from various institutes about the health benefits of spending time in nature. Wellness and nature are best friends you could say. Not only are their health benefits, but there are psychological benefits of spending time in nature. I highly suggest to find the time each week for spending time in nature for your health because there are so many benefits of spending time outdoors. Here are my top 5 health benefits of connecting with nature .

Good Exercise

Promotes Creativity & Imagination

Reduces Stress

Provides Stimulation

Immune Booster

I need to remember that even though my children are teens and a tween now, they still need to be outdoors, spending time in nature. As I am rushing about each day, transporting one child or the next to all their activities, I need to make more time for them to connect with nature like we all used to when they were much younger.

The best advice my aunt ever gave to me was to let my kids eat some dirt and suck on some rocks. I know it sounds terrible, but sometimes the best cure is to literally send them outdoors, just like our parents did to us. There are so many benefits to being outdoors, besides the the five I just named.