Nature's Role in Health

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 .