Stay Playful In The Great Outdoors

If you tend to feel more refreshed and contented after a day spent outdoors, you’re not alone. In fact, researchers have found that spending time in nature has a positive impact on our mental health by boosting our kindness, creativity, and well-being.

Here are three mindful ways to discover all the benefits of being in nature, compliments of mindful.org:

1. Savor the nature in your neighborhood. You don’t need to live next door to a national park in order to experience the great outdoors. Even if you’re a city slicker, you can foster a closer connection with nature by taking a moment to admire the natural world you see every day—like the tree outside your window, or the clouds high above your head. Explore these four ways to mindfully appreciate the nature that always surrounds you.

2. Discover the healing power of the forest. Spending time among trees can reduce stress and anger, while improving cardiovascular health. It’s for this reason that “forest bathing”—a practice that involves slowly walking through a forest and taking in the atmosphere through all your senses—is so popular. Follow this simple introduction to forest bathing and tap into all the benefits trees have to offer.

3. Find a moment of awe. Awe is a humbling experience that leads us to feel more altruistic, cooperative, and connected to the larger picture. And while awe often springs from incredible moments, it can also be discovered in the little things, like witnessing the sunrise from your own backyard. If you need some inspiration, try this guided awe walk to tune into a deeper sense of purpose and well-being.