An Easy Way to Rejuvenate Yourself

Close your eyes with me for a moment...

Go back within your memory to a time where you felt really peaceful.

What can you see? What can you hear? 

For me, I think immediately of standing on a forest floor, the sound of the wind rustling through the trees and the crunch of Autumn leaves beneath my feet.

Or I’m on a beach, my feet in the sand and the smell of salt in the air. I'm watching the sun glittering on the sea, which stretches infinitely into the horizon.

… Did you imagine somewhere out in nature too?

For most of us, when we think of peace, we think of nature. Surrounded by natural beauty, our minds seem to quieten down and our stress begins to melt away. 

We feel calmer, more present, and more open.

Nature is an easy way to rejuvenate yourself, and one many of us feel naturally drawn towards.

It can have such a significant effect, even when you don’t spend a lot of time in it - or any at all!

For example, one study published in Scientific Reports found that people who went from no time in nature to at least 2 hours per week were significantly more likely to report good health or high well-being. 

Even watching nature documentaries appears beneficial: the BBC found that nature documentaries reduces negative emotion and increases positive emotion. (Great to know we can still get the benefits in winter, even if we're getting outside less!)

So why not make time to ride your bike in the park this weekend, walk through a forest, or soak in a sea view? Even sitting in a garden or appreciating the Autumn colours on your city street can help. 

Whatever you choose to do, come and share a picture of that natural beauty with us in the Calm and Content Facebook group, so we can all enjoy it with you.