January 28, 2025 - Find Strength by Spending Time in Nature!

Yesterday I wrote I would share ideas this week to help you become strong and confident in the amazing person you are, so the first idea is one to help you find comfort and strength - by spending time in nature. I found a wonderful article on this from the Mayo Clinic - just look at some of the ways nature helps us -

• Spending time in nature reduces stress. One study showed exposure to nature can regulate the sympathetic nervous system in as little as five minutes. This means we very quickly experience the benefit of spending time in nature.
• Research indicates exposure to nature can be an effective coping strategy for those with chronic mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Prolonged immersion in nature and nature-based therapy programs have shown promise as a way of managing PTSD.
• Even for those without serious mental health conditions, nature may help you manage emotions like loneliness, irritability, and possibly even road rage.
• Finally, there is evidence nature exposure is associated with better cognitive function — like memory, attention, creativity,  and sleep quality.

These are wonderful benefits and we are able to experience them by spending just a few minutes in nature! So, get out into your yard, a nearby park, a nature preserve, a local garden, a beach - anywhere you can go to enjoy the beauty of the world around us!

It is important for all of us to take care of ourselves emotionally, but especially if we feel alone, bullied, discounted, or are being treated badly because when these things happen to us, this is even more important. And if something as simple as spending time in nature will help us to do this, then by all means, spend some time in nature! You will find the full article I referred to at this link.

Once again today I want to send you my virtual "hug" - You matter. You deserve to be loved and are loved - I love you! You make our world a better place - we need you in this world. I hope you have people around you who tell you these things, but if not, please let me be someone who does. Yes, I say this every day, but these words are true and will always be so. You will find the video at this link.