Need to de-stress with a hike but you’re too busy? Here’s a 9-step plan to calm down with nature.
When it’s cold out, or you’re busy, or you’re ill, or you’re running late, it’s hard to get outside for some “nature therapy.” But even a few moments outside can calm you, let you de-stress, and connect you with the earth.
I do this ritual on days when I know I’m not going to be able to take a walk outside, or spend time in my garden. I find it really helps me through difficult days and makes good days even better.
Go outside. Yes, even if it’s cold. Just for a moment.
Touch the ground with your hand. Yes, even if it’s cold.
While you’re outside, close your eyes and breath in. What do you smell?
While your eyes are closed, listen. What do you hear?
Find some small object—a pebble, a leaf, a stick, a feather—and bring it in the house (yeah, ‘cause it’s cold outside!)
Look really closely at that object. Pretend you are an ant and you are crawling along the object really slowly.
Find a place in your house where the object can rest and be warm.
Come back to it throughout the day and each time you see it, remember the moment you went outside to find it.
At the end of the day, return the object to where you found it and once again, close your eyes and smell the air and listen to the sounds.
Happy New Year!
I’d love to know, what rituals ground you to the earth?
