 A new year is upon us. Many of us will use this change in the calendar year as a fresh start to improve our health and well-being. If you are looking for support to achieve a weight loss goal, a more enlightened spirit or to add more joy into your life, then you will want to include nature in your healthy lifestyle toolbox. I have asked my friend, Diane, to share how nature has enhanced her wellness. Diane has lost over 190 pounds, and kept it off, for several years. This is her story. Outdoors is my go to for relief. Fresh air clears my head of the “clutter” from all the blather on TV. It wasn’t always that way. 190 pounds ago, my “joy” was a stack of cookbooks, bag of tortilla chips, cookies and a LazyBoy with the TV on. Oh, I loved the crunch of those chips, and had, for too many yrs. I was soothed by food for 55 years and it was taking a “heavy” toll on me physically, and emotionally. I withdrew because I couldn’t keep up. That began to change after I rejoined WW. It was sooo gradual, I didn’t even notice it until I looked back. I met wonderful people. We would walk a bit after our WW meeting. Sometimes just in the parking lot. Later as my confidence, and strength grew, we met at different parks. The beautiful scenery, the warm humid air of North Carolina became “gifts” as we walked more and more. One day, alone on an awesome gravel road, I heard from the crunch under my shoes. It gave me soooo much more “joy” than any bag of chips ever could. The sound, the smells and,oh, those awesome endorphins surging, what a reward. It’s out there just the other side of the door...it’s free for ALL...and away from those same four walls!!! I’ll see you outside Living a healthy lifestyle can be as simple as taking that first step. Step outside and let nature invite you to explore all her wonder. Want to learn more about how nature can enhance your health, well-being and add more joy into your life? Explore the many resources at www.TheNatureNurse.com. Be sure to sign up for the free e-newsletter that goes out intermittently. You can also follow us on social media @TheNatureNurse .
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The holiday season is upon us after what has been a really challenging year. Understanding this, we wanted to focus our gift recommendations on the theme of connection and joy. Connecting with nature is the soothing balm everyone can use this year.
So, what are we recommending? Take a look, and order early as shipping may be delayed this year. Number One: Books We love books at The Nature Nurse™. One of our favorite nature journalists, Richard Louv, takes us on a journey to our wild nature in his latest book, Our Wild Calling. It's perfect for all the animal lovers on your list! Number Two: Bird Feeders Did you know that watching birds helps us feel calm? It can also be a wonderful way to get to know your local bird life. Connecting with nature can be harder when days are dark and cold. It is also a challenge for many who live alone or are in nursing homes. Here are a couple types we recommend (and don't forget some bird seed):
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Number Three: Wind Chimes
Ahhh....that soothing sound that draws us to the outdoors as a gentle breeze passes by. They come in many different notes. Here is one of our favorite companies. We have had ours for years! Number Four: Twin Currents Apparel New this year, hand-drawn, unique, authentic images available on several types of comfy shirts and hoodies. This line helps remind us all that we have a lot of different friends living under the waves. The beachy images can also take us to that calm, tranquil feel that we all love. Take a look: Link.
Number Five: Camping Gear
Looking for a way to help get your family to not only connect better with nature, but each other? Why not take up camping? Young kids love to camp in the backyard, teens and young adults love to go with their friends. Plan a trip to a local, state or national park for a family adventure. This tent pops into place in just 90 seconds, you can stand in it, and it folds back up quickly and easily. Oh, and did we tell you that research shows camping helps us sleep better too?
Number Six: Discover The Joy Of Nature Online Workshop
Knowledge is power, but awareness is life changing. We all "know" we should do certain things-eat healthier, exercise more, and meditate. Many people, however, either don't know that nature can invoke the joy in us, and/or they are not aware of why our relationship with nature is essential to our health and well-being. Our one-hour online course discusses the research supporting this, and provides resources and tools to evaluate one's relationship with nature. The perfect gift, as we all know what happens January First. This may be the gift you want the most for yourself. LINK We wish you all a very happy, healthy holiday season! Harvesting herbs that we have tenderly nurtured all season can be a wonderful way to experience the joy of nature. Most of us don't have the time, or space, to have a full-fledge farm. But, many of us grow herbs in containers, on windowsills, or in a small plot in our backyard. The process of cutting them, drying them and crumpling them into pieces allows their fragrance to erupt. Inhaling their aromas is a joy just unto itself. Anticipating the addition of these delicacies to warm, comforting recipes this fall and winter can make ones mouth start to water. Not sure how to dry your herbs? Take a look at this short how-to-video we created just for you: Bon Appetite!
Want to learn more about how to experience the joy of nature? Enroll now in our new online course! Learn more What is in your health promotion toolbox? Eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, and meditation are some of the most common tools we all strive to use. But, have you thought of adding nature?
Our connection with nature has been slowly eroding over the past several years for a number of reasons. As this relationship erodes, research is showing that we are seeing several negative impacts on our health and well-being. Scientists are now studying the link between nature and health in ways they never thought to do before. With over 1000 studies now conducted, there is significant evidence to show that nature is good for us! And here is the best part; you don't need a prescription! As long as your nature source is clean and safe, engaging with nature can help you ease stress, sleep better and add more joy to your life. There has never been a more important time for us to take an active role in our health. Learning how to engage with nature is another valuable tool to help you feel better in your body, mind and spirit. Ready to learn more? At TheNatureNurse.com , there is a wealth of information on how you can do just that. You are invited to subscribe to the e-newlsetter to keep current on the latest research on nature and health, nature resources, and exclusive offers. We also have launched the first of an ongoing series, Experience The Joy of Nature: Beginners Online Workshop . This workshop will teach you why enhancing your relationship with nature is essential today, how to assess what your current nature connection level is, and beginning tools, that you can use right away, to enhance your health, well-being and add more joy to your life. Let Mother Nature help you live a healthier lifestyle! |
Author:Susan has published a two-novel series in which she includes her love of nature. I Know You're There & By The Sound Of The Crow Are Available on Amazon , Barnes & Noble and Most E-Reader Stores. Archives
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