When we’re in the middle of a stressful week it can be hard to imagine that resting can, and should, have priority in our daily routine. Generally, when we think of resting, we imagine sleeping, or finally getting a large chunk of free time that we’ll be able to use as we please. But sometimes the most rejuvenating things are actually very simple and don’t take much time at all. Here’s day 7 of our 12 Days of Disconnection.
Make Time for Nature
One way to disconnect from technology and your everyday stress is to simply be in nature. You don’t need a wide-open vista with rolling hills to find nature worth observing. Finding small moments during the day to take note of birds or squirrels or the canopy of the trees is enough to find a connection to nature. And by noticing the small things—like the trees in the park across the street from your office or the way the leaves fall on the sidewalk—you’ll be practicing mindfulness.
Find a park near your house or your work, put your phone in your pocket on silent, and take a seat on a bench. Just observe all the small things about that space. Studies show that any time we can dedicate to being outside in nature does nothing but good things for our mental and physical health.
Being out in nature, away from our notifications, helps us to slow down, calm down, and remember that our stress and our feelings will come and go, but there are a few important people and things in our lives that won’t. Being in nature helps us to remember the things that are the most important to us; the people, the projects and hobbies, and the places that help us return to a state of joy.
Try heading to nature without an agenda—not even for a walk or a hike—but to just be in nature, to observe it, to hear it, and let it help you find clarity and calm.
Ready to stare out one of our big windows? Click here to book your Getaway.