Is it time for a break from the grind of everyday life? The great outdoors is there…waiting. Nature in all its glory, from the scenery to the plant life to the wild animals. Maybe it's time to get away & recharge your brain...
Cities often make an effort to include green spaces and parks, but many of us are unable to walk through nature, away from cars and pollution and the hustle and bustle of civilization. Using neuroscience, researchers have studied the relationship between humans and time being exposed to natural environments. People who live nearer to green space tend to have lower levels of stress, and reduced anxiety and depression (Pearson, 2014).
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. You would not neglect a broken arm, so why would you neglect your mind? If you are stressed out and fed up with dealing with work or your personal life, maybe you need to take a break and recharge.
Before you write off the idea of spending time in nature, stop and really consider what you are missing. Have you ever packed a backpack and just walked on your own around a natural forest? Public lands and parks are available, almost no matter where you live. If roughing it is too frightening for you, consider a campground.
Many parks offer the use of equipment, and if you absolutely cannot stand the idea of sleeping in a tent, consider a weekend RV or camper. A little Internet sleuthing can be your ticket out of the crazy, manic world and into some much-needed peace & quiet.
Your brain needs you to take care of it. If you want to perform at your very best at work and in your personal life, you need to take some time to take care of yourself. So many of us give and give and give, and eventually, there’s nothing left to give. Don’t let yourself burn out, take a break before things get too bad.
Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and winds long to play with your hair.
Khalil Gibran, Lebanese writer and poet
How aware are you of your environment? At work, you probably hear the lift whoosh open, or smell fresh coffee, or hear chatter from the break room. But when did you last hear squirrels talk to each other, or see a snake slither in the grass, or feel the wind and sun on your bare neck? Have you ever slept under the stars? Developing your awareness is crucial to be a good leader, you need to get away from your day-to-day distractions and see yourself, and your future.
It’s never too late. You can increase your awareness and give your brain a chance to reset when you spend time outdoors. By increasing awareness, you can increase your agility, and learn how to be ready to react in this disruptive, always-on world.
Citation
Pearson, D. G., & Craig, T. (2014). The great outdoors? Exploring the mental health benefits of natural environments. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 1178. http://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01178