10 Simple Ways to Nurture Yourself with Nature

Life is hard sometimes. Even more so this past year. We could all use some bite size moments of Zen to bring a little peace and calm to our busy lives. Here are 10 ways to incorporate the soothing power of nature into your day-to-day hustle.

1. Enjoy your morning coffee outside. That’s when the birds are active and the light is peeking over the horizon, telling your body that it’s time to wake up. Soaking up the morning light signals to your body to produce less melatonin (the sleep-inducing hormone), and then increase production at night. Making a habit of greeting each day outdoors can actually help you sleep better at night.
2. Take the scenic route. Next time you’re stressed, but have to carry on and get from point A to point B, consider taking the road less traveled. Instead of U.S. 1, opt for A1A, Indian River Boulevard, Jungle Trail, or any one of our scenic country roads.
3. While you’re at it, roll down the windows. Take a few deep breaths, inhaling the fresh air. I love driving slowly through the citrus groves when the trees are in bloom… absolutely divine.
4. With those windows down, turn off the music and tune in to nature’s symphony. Listen for the birds, or the breaking waves if you’re on A1A.
5. Running ahead of schedule? Pull over and give yourself a few minutes to take in the scenery. The Treasure Coast is abundant with little jewels in the form of riverside parks, beaches and wooded parks.
6. Take your lunch break outside. This could be as simple as eating at a picnic table, or going for a walk and eating when you return to the office.
7. Feeling stuck creatively? Take a nature break. Go outside for 5-10 minutes. Stretch. Breathe. Let the sun warm your skin.
8. Eat dinner outdoors. Floridians have the luxury of enjoying alfresco dining year-round. Grill outside, or if you don’t feel like cooking, order take-out and have a picnic at the beach or your favorite park.
9. It can get hot in Florida, so consider taking an after-dinner stroll outside when the temperature cools off. Dusk is a wonderful time for wildlife sightings and taking in the stunning sunset.
10. Take notice of the time you spend on social media. Most phones have settings to track usage. Whatever your daily total is, divide it by two. Consider allotting half of that time for social media and the other half to spending time outdoors, being mindful instead of mindlessly scrolling. You can set a daily limit to be reminded when you meet your quota.

 
Tree hugs and kisses,
Kelly

About the Author
Kelly Bruce is a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, Trail Consultant and the founder of Natural Wanders. She leads forest bathing and nature therapy walks in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. Subscribe to her e-newsletter for more inspiration from nature and to learn about upcoming walks, workshops and retreats. Each Wednesday, she’ll provide inspiration to help you wander into wellness, naturally. In the meantime, follow along on Instagram and Facebook. This article originally appeared in The Swell Life, the official blog of Portfolio Vero Beach Magazine. Photography by @zailaffitte.