3 ways nature could boost your energy and vitality this summer

Re-wild your life this summer to feel more alive and connected

When you feel tired all the time with unexplained fatigue, you are probably wondering what you can do to feel more like yourself again. It can be tough when you are not sure what you can do to feel better and it’s starting to get you down.

The good news is that is lots that you can do. One of the first things you can do to help boost your mood and support your vitality is to get outside. In fact it’s been shown that just spending 20 minutes out of doors, where you take time to pause and perhaps look at the natural world around you, could help to boost your vitality.

The good news is that it doesn’t have to cost you anything either, which can only be a good think in the middle of a cost of living crisis.

In this blog post, I am going to share 3 of my favourite practices that could give you energy levels a welcome lift this summer and encourage you to venture out of doors and discover what mother nature is offering you.

 

Research says this REALLY works

There’s been lots of research undertaken over the last few years on the impact of the natural world on our health and being. It seems that when we venture out of doors and spend time with nature, in your garden or at a park or green space, we often slow down and appreciate the world around us. This has the effect of reducing feelings of stress, anxiety and worry, which has a positive effect on our health.

Interested and ready to give it a go?

The following 3 suggestions are my go to ways to give myself a nature fix when my energy levels and mood need a boost or top up.

 

1.       The wonder of the woodland

I love going to a woodland or forest, especially in the morning when there aren’t too many people out and about. It’s peaceful and just listening to the rustle of the leaves and the birds singing is both calming and uplifting. It’s as if the trees are sharing their energy with me.

Whilst you may think this sounds a bit crackers, spending time in forests and woodlands is recommended by doctors in Japan, in fact it is viewed as an essential component of the healthcare system. They call it shinrin yoku and we know if as forest bathing.

 

It’s called Forest Bathing?

It is a way of immersing yourself in a forest or woodland setting, for a couple of hours, so you can re-connect with nature. The idea is that you really become aware of your surroundings, perhaps noticing the shapes of the trees, touching leaves, listening to the bird song and the sounds of the breeze in the trees  As you focus on the trees and the sounds, you may find that you unconsciously push your thoughts and worries to one side.

You may find an inner contentment or peace as you walk through the woods too.

There’s tons of research out there now showing the positive impact just being in nature can have on our mental health, such as feeling calmer and more relaxed and even reductions in blood pressure.

 
 

2. Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside

I love being by the sea.

It feels so good to have the proverbial cobwebs blown away by the fresh sea air and I always find myself feeling so much more relaxed by the sea.

Looking out to sea and listening to the waves lapping at the shore helps me to put my thoughts into perspective and I feel so much happier.

I am not alone in this, as scientists have discovered that being by the sea can help reduce feelings of stress. It has been given a name too, being called ‘blue health’.

Doctors and naturopaths have been recommending the benefits of sea air for years. In fact, in the past, doctors prescribed time to convalesce at the seaside.

It seems these doctors were right, as science has discovered that the negative ions given out by the sea can improve our absorption of oxygen, which may be able to help with fatigue and mental alertness.

So a leisurely day out by the sea could be just what the doctor ordered to help you to feel less stressed and more energised and alert.

 

3. Find your green (or blue) happy place

Access nature close to you

You may be thinking, I don’t live near a wood or the sea, how can nature help me? Don’t worry, accessing a nature whether it be in a park, a common or by a river or a canal, all were found to boost feelings of wellbeing and happiness.

In fact, you may have your own green space in your garden. Whatever is closest and easiest for you, noticing and appreciating the greenery that surrounds you – the grass, flowers and trees or perhaps the way the water flows or ripples, all can help us to re-connect with nature.

Science has shown engaging with the natural environment, in whatever form you prefer, can initiate feelings of relaxation and reduce stress.

 
 

Are you willing to accept some support from Mother Nature?

I hope this blog post has encouraged you to seek out your local green space, spend more time in your garden or head off to the seaside.

There’s so much you can do to support your wellbeing for free, you just need to give yourself some time, even if it’s just 20 minutes, and the permission to spend some time in nature and allow yourself to wonder at its magnificence and relax.

I think it is a wonderful tonic to boost your energy and mood. I always feel better for spending some time out of doors, especially when the sun is shining. I hope you find it as wonderfully restorative as I do.

 
 

Your top 5 takeaways

  1. Studies have shown that just spending 20 minutes in nature can help to boost your vitality.

  2. Forest bathing has been shown to help people feel calmer and more relaxed.

  3. Science has shown that spending time by the sea can reduce feelings of stress

  4. Scientists have also discovered that the negative ions produced by the sea could help to reduce fatigue and boost concentration.

  5. Spending time in a green space like a garden or public park or green area triggers the body’s relaxation response.

 

 

I’m here to help

Getting out into nature can play its part in helping you to relax and feel more energised. Yet if you are chronically tired, you may need some further support and herbal medicine has some wonderful tonic plants that may be able to help you to relax, support your sleep and improve your energy and concentration levels.

I found that as we are all different and quite complex, that we need a few changes to our life style and diet to help us to recover our natural vitality and enthusiasm for life again. I can help you to discover what changes may be right for you.

If you’d like to discuss how working together could help you to feel more energised again, I offer a free 30 minute discovery call for us to chat about the help you are looking for and how I may be able to help you to feel like you again. Get in touch here to book a call.