Reconnect With Nature to Combat Stress
Mental Health America notes that stress can be both physical and mental and that, although we can sometimes identify the causes of our stress, such as lack of sleep, or an emotionally traumatic event, a lot of our stress comes from less dramatic everyday experiences. High levels of stress can have a number of negative effects which include fatigue, headaches and the feeling of being unable to cope. Too much stress can also impact on your appearance causing problems such as dry skin or acne, and greying or thinning hair. It may even be the reason for unexplained weight gain.
Yoga has long been known to be beneficial in coping with stress. It also has many positive effects on how we look and feel about ourselves. It increases strength and improves posture, and boosts circulation which can add a healthy glow to our skin. Combining the benefits of yoga with the restorative effect of being close to nature can be a great antidote the stress of modern-day life.
Reconnect With Nature
A connection with nature can calm the mind and relax the body. In an article for National Geographic Magazine, Florence Williams reports the view of David Strayer, a cognitive psychologist at the University of Utah, that when we stop to take in the beauty of nature, we feel restored and our mental performance also improves. Tuning in to the natural world may re-awaken a sense of spirituality which can have a positive impact on our health and well-being. You don’t have to go out into the wilds to experience the beneficial effect of nature. A simple walk in the park can leave you feeling refreshed and restored.
Practice Yoga
Devotees of yoga will tell you how it leaves you feeling calm, positive, and able to cope with anything life may throw at you. Yoga can help with stress in many ways. It can relax both the body and mind, help us to breathe deeply which can alleviate anxiety, and help us in a more spiritual way to connect our minds with our bodies and develop self-awareness and understanding.
Combine the Two
Since both nature and yoga have been proved to reduce stress, combining the two would be a great stress-buster. Practising yoga out of doors enhances the stress-relieving effects of being in a natural setting, and deep yoga breathing pulls more clean air into our lungs. The feeling of being connected that yoga and being at one with nature inspires may create a deep and peaceful feeling that can help us to cope with the stress of everyday life.
Even though stress seems to be an inevitable part of modern life, we can learn how to deal with it. Something as simple as getting outside for a walk in the park could help. If we can combine being in nature with a relaxing and more spiritual experience such as yoga, we could create a sense of calm and peace that will help us cope. Using yoga and nature to decrease stress levels can help us lead a happier and healthier life.