I am a ginormous advocate for self-care. I wish I had realized its importance while I was going through my "growing children" years. I would have been a much better mother and wife. But, I am grateful for the knowledge I have now. I try to spend "me" time every day. I've learned so much about me during those moments. One thing I have learned is that I must how outside time often. The outside world nourishes me. It makes me a better person. Here are some reasons I NEED to be outside:
1. It improves my mood. My anxiety is decreased. My mind becomes clear and calm. I always return home happier and lighter.
2. My stress is totally reduced. I slow down. Even if I am working hard to climb a mountain or concentrating on descending a boulder field, the stress of life is lifted. I also read once that researchers found just looking at trees reduces the amount of cortisol and adrenaline. Seems easy enough. It is!
3. I get to leave behind the hustle and bustle and noise of the real living life. All though not always possible, I try to find nature to explore that is away from cell reception. That is getting harder and harder. Most times I put my phone on airplane mode so no one call contact me. I take my phone with me for pictures, but want to escape everything else associated with it.
4. My gratitude for God's creations are renewed. I am in awe of nature. Time outside lets me see it again and to appreciate the beauty of where I live. That makes me happy and boosts my thoughts of thankfulness for all the blessings I have.
5. Vitamin D. I feel overall when I get a boost of natural vitamin D. It fights all feelings of dissatifaction and depression.
6. I sleep better when I have time outside. I think that is one reason I don't sleep well through the winter. I'm so excited for spring and summer to come!
7. Most of my adult socializing comes while spending time outdoors. We have the greatest conversations while we are out and about. I learn so much from my outside friends and share with them things I don't share with my in town friends. Something about nature helps me open up.
8. "God Loves Me Moments" are experienced while in nature. I experience them there more than anywhere else.
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