Let’s explore the benefits of nature on our bodies.
It is such a beautiful day out as I am walking on the freshly cut grass. I walk for a little bit because I love feeling the grass crunch underneath my feet. I have my favorite shades on and I am carrying my backpack. I graze at the large grassy area with my eyes and then I see it. The perfect area to take my towel out of my backpack and place it perfectly on the ground. I sit on my towel that has a big green alligator picture on it and surrounded in the colors of orange and blue. Maybe, you will recognize this description as the Florida Gator for the University of Florida. I pull my sunscreen out and lather myself up with sun protection. I put my headphones on and I begin to listen to some Tom Petty tunes. The artist who sings, “I won’t back down.”(he was from Gainesville, Florida so he is a big thing at the University of Florida.) I take a deep breath in and I lay down. I take it all in for the moment and another uncontrollable sigh is released from my chest. There it is the money moment that I have been waiting for all day as I sat through my lecture classes. The sun beaming down on my face! The vitamin D just bathing me in the beautiful rays of the sun. I feel energized, warmth, rejuvenation and a sense of peace. I love feeling the earth underneath me supporting my body. I set a timer just in case I fall asleep because too much sun is not a good thing either. It’s about getting just the right amount to feel it’s magical powers. It’s time to go to my next lecture class so I pack up my things and off I go. These are actual events and a lifestyle that I had when I was in college many, many, many years ago. I still remember it so clearly because of the beauty of the experience.
I have had many a days like this since my college years. It looks a little different nowadays but I still love to find a great place to feel the sun on my face for a short amount of time. I for sure don’t want to enhance the aging process from the sun or risk sun damage.
I took you on this memory of mine to take you away and to ignite the desire for you to want to Feel the Sun on Your Face as well. I know this must sound so basic to you right? Believe it or not most people don’t take the time out of their daily schedules to spend some time outside. The reasons are obvious, too much work and going nonstop, doesn’t allow you to take the time out to be with nature. Unfortunately, most individuals don’t realize that it is imperative for our bodies and mind to drench ourselves with nature. The oxygenated air from the beautiful trees and the Vitamin D that the sun helps you absorb. Our bodies actually crave these experiences but most individuals don’t acknowledge this or understand the importance of stepping outside for some time each day. Individuals who are diagnosed with low Vitamin D levels, usually points to the fact that they do not spend time outside. According to Medical News Today spending time outside makes people feel good, “Being in the sun generally makes people feel good, and there are many scientific reasons for this effect. One of these is that exposure to UVB rays causes human skin to produce beta-endorphins, which are hormones that reduce pain. Their other benefits include: Promoting a sensation of well-being and improving mood.”
I could also be very descriptive and describe my memories of when I was diagnosed with skin cancer as well. The warning here is that take in the sun protected and for limited amounts of time. I wish I knew this when I would lay outside at my childhood homes pool, with baby oil on my skin and lemon juice in my hair. I had the greatest tan but the consequences were definitely not worth those results. The point is if you feel the sun on your skin for a reasonable amount of time it will be just the right amount to have the scientific effect that our bodies need.
In the United States it is just about that time where I can smell summer in the air. This is what sparked my thought process about the necessities of spending time outside. I am just here my friends to give you a little nudge and a reminder of how important it is to spend time outside with nature. Currently, I am sitting outside in the shade writing this blog because being outside energizes my creative thought process. I would encourage you to start to schedule into your daily schedule Outside Therapy for yourself. I like to call it this because I think it stresses the importance, that it is a form of Therapy. Come on, everybody could use a little dose of daily therapy that is free and right outside your front door. I provide you with this knowledge and a gentle reminder that summer is almost here and it is time for you to start planning your outside adventures for the summer.
I find a lot of excitement planning my summer adventures whether they are near or far away. Honestly, I could just spend all my time daydreaming about my planned adventures as I am writing this piece. However, along with being one with nature I must be productive as well with my responsibilities. My challenge to you is to go outside today and take it all in. Ignite your five senses and let it envelope you. Ahhhhh, the magic that nature provides for us. I also would encourage you to begin to think about what your summer plans are and how you are going to incorporate nature into your plans. Trust me, your mind and body will thank you for this opportunity of self-care.
Join me and listen to Episode 151 of My Podcast, Wide Open Spaces with Ilise, where we go on a visual vacation together to explore the sun and nature. I ask you in this moment to LISTEN AND EVOLVE WITH ME.
POSITIVE THOUGHTS CREATE POSITIVE ENERGY
GO OUT AND EXPLORE ALL OF THE WIDE OPEN SPACES IN YOUR WORLD
CIAO
ILISE
