There may not be Wi-Fi in the forest, but I promise, there will be a connection.
Emotional or Physical Tension
Tension can come from any event and thought that makes us feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Stress is our body’s response to a hurdle or demand. This pressure can be useful in short bursts, like when it helps us avoid danger or meet deadlines.
Since we are the creators of most of our stress, I believe anything we can do to strengthen our bond with nature will significantly benefit our being, helping us remember that we are whole.
The Best Way To Reduce Stress
Reconnect With Nature
Reconnecting with nature can happen in many ways. It can be as easy as going for a walk on your lunch break in a nearby park or taking an extended camping vacation in the mountains. What’s essential is that we give ourselves time away from daily stresses, sit quietly feeling mother earth all around.
Try This: For an even more significant boost, take any exercise program outdoors.
Five More Tips To Reduce Stress
Lighten Up By Laughing It Off
Stress can feel heavy. A big belly laugh is so good for the soul – and our stress levels. Laughter decreases the physical results of stress (like feeling tired) on our bodies. A few suggestions to let your worries go are to watch a movie that makes you laugh to tears, get silly with a friend or even take a laughter yoga class.
Try this: Smile. Bet in that one tiny action, your mood was lifted!
Escape Into A Book
Does the real world seem too much to handle? Escape into a steamy romance novel, a thriller that will leave you breathless in another way, or maybe an epic journey to far off places. Choosing a great page-turner will instantly take our minds off any present anxiety.
Try this: Join my monthly Travel (book) Club!
Hang With A Pet
Pets are like furry therapists, and there’s nothing like coming home to a wagging tail after an exhausting day or petting them when feeling stressed. Pets are my suggestion to enhance our mood.
Try this. Don’t have a pet? Then both play and laugh watching these videos:
Do Something Mundane
Are you someone who considers doing the dishes a chore? If so, I suggest we should reconsider our position on the matter.
Performing any task mindfully, like cleaning up after dinner, can be soothing. Any repetitive tasks (think gardening) have similar effects too.
Try This: Vacuuming is one of my favorites. Next time you feel tension push a vacuum around the floor – The motion gets us moving (energetically moving our stress), and listening to items getting sucked away is cathartic.
Do Something Artistic
Whether we are painting like Monet, playing the guitar or salsa dancing, having a creative outlet can do wonders for our overall well-being. Making anything creative can both decrease stress and help us better manage the stress we have.
Try this. Doodle next time you feel stress. It’s an easy way to feel the benefits of creating.
The Bottom Line
These days, stress seems inescapable – but it’s not unconquerable. Make some of these ideas part of daily practice and recognize that nature doesn’t struggle through life – and we don’t have to either. I think that by reconnection with nature (#1 suggestion), we will find the best solace from the struggles of modern stressors.
Try this. Something as simple as deep breathing will help in the most intense situations. Take a breath in as you expand the belly, slowly exhaling the tension.
BREATHE. LISTEN. ACT.
Next Time You Feel Stress
Try This: Something as simple as deep breathing will help in the most intense situations. Take a breath in as you expand the belly, slowly exhaling the tension.
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I am an influencer of optimism, positivity & love. My mantra, “Be where my feet are,” nothing more, nothing less. To me, it means living in the moment with curiosity, creativity, courage & compassion. You’ll find resources and stories primarily about subjects like travel, van living, exploring, yoga, and photography on these pages. By acting on my dreams and sharing my experiences, I hope you’ll be inspired to say YES, and live your happiest, best life. |
Follow along! Kirsti Out Wandering aspires to illustrate well-being in mind, body & spirit, giving unconditional love to self and others, and pursuing all of the wild possibilities life serves up while living full-time from a sprinter van.
She offers weekly inspiration and a monthly roundup filled with stories and tips on travel, exploring, van living, self-care, photography and being human.