3 Reasons Why You Should Reconnect With Nature

 

 

Most of us find ourselves saying those three little words "I'm too busy" on a daily basis, rushing around from one activity to the next, smart phone in hand, stress levels through the roof. It's not surprising that we have disconnected from nature and in turn, we've lost touch with nature's beautiful rhythm. 

 

Re-establishing a connection with Mother Earth and the world around you is crucial to your health & happiness. It's proven that people who spend less time indoors and more time out in nature are less stressed, more energized and in-the-flow!  

 

Here are 3 reasons why you should stop what you're doing and get outside to reconnect with nature immediately:

1. Beat The Blues

Just being out in nature does your mind, body and soul some good. People living in urban environments with less green space around them have a higher prevalence for anxiety disorder and depression. No green space nearby? Researchers in England have found that joggers who exercise in a natural setting with trees, foliage and landscape views feel more restored and less angry & stressed-out than those runners who who burn the same amount of calories running on treadmills or working out in a gym. So even if you have to drive a few miles to find a little green (or an ocean view), it's worth it!

2. The Sunshine Vitamin

While there are many theories as to why being in nature makes us healthier, one leading cause is that being outside increases our vitamin D intake. Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D. How important is the sunshine vitamin to your health? Scientific evidence shows that a lack of vitamin D leads to health problems such as hormonal issues, inflammation, obesity and a weakened immune system. Because sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D and most of us are deficient in it, increase your daily intake by soaking up some rays!  

3. Restore & Refresh

You know that feeling where your brain seems to be stuttering, like an engine that's running out of gas, the tank is running on fumes and you try and speak but can't get a whole sentence out? Researchers call that "mental fatigue". Our society is burdened with it because we are on information overload all day long. Our relationship with nature has been overcome by our relationship to technology. It's time to unplug and press the resent button.. Studies have found that people's energy bounced back even just by looking at a picture of nature! The beauty of nature can elicit feelings of awe, ignite peace within you, inspire you to make positive changes in your life, and restore your mind's thought processes to a higher level of thinking. 

(Sign me up for all of that!)

Why not head to the beach and bury your toes in the sand, walk to the park and sink into the fresh grass. Jump in the ocean, plant a garden, find a trail to walk and feel the warm sun on your skin. Carve out the time. Take every opportunity to soak in Mother Nature's beauty and live a more vibrant life! 

What's your favorite outdoor activity? How does it make you feel? Comment below and share how you connect with nature to inspire others to do the same!

Yours Truly,
Tammy Fodrey & Biopharma Scientific
 

Shake It Off!

There are going to be haters.

One of my favorite quotes is by Eleanor Roosevelt that says “Do what you feel in your heart to be right because you’ll be criticized anyway." It’s so true. Whether you are doing something seemingly good or you have made a colossal mistake, chances are someone, somewhere is standing by ready to jab. Why? Because we are all mirrors of each other. Most of the time it has nothing to do with us, and it has everything to do with the other person. Maybe that person is just having a bad day or maybe they are dealing with something they can't handle. Either way, criticism has a negative impact. Your heart rate increases, you start to sweat, and you mind begins the exhausting game of defense.

How do you shake it off?

Here is a list of 20 things to start doing today to shake off negativity in your life & stay committed to your best self:

 1. Take the high road. Conflict cannot continue with only one participant.
 2. Free yourself from negative people.
 3. Stay open to new, positive friendships with like-minded people.
 4. Show everyone kindness and respect. No matter what.
 5. Accept people just the way they are.
 6. Support & encourage others in their greatness.
 7. Accept your imperfections and love yourself anyway.
 8. Don’t dwell. Forgive and move forward.
 9. Be of service to others.
10. Keep in touch with the people who matter.
11. Allow others to make their own decisions.
12. Talk less, listen more.
13. Leave petty arguments alone.
14. Pay more attention to the relationship with yourself than what others are doing.
15. Know who your real friends are.
16. Ignore unconstructive, hurtful commentary on social media.
17. Stop comparing.
18. Take time every day for exercise & self-care.
19. Nourish your body with healthy foods.
20. Keep it light & when all else fails, find the humor and laugh.

How you react & show up in this world is up to you. Stay connected to your best self & shake off the haters. Keep doing what you love with your life and keep being awesome!

Sited from Brene' Brown: The Gifts of Imperfection