The more you spend time indoors, the greater the need to go outside. People are drawn to nature because it radiates a sense of calm and rejuvenates them. You know that feeling: You feel sluggish and tired, but a walk in the deepest nature makes you feel renewed? That sums up the effect of time outdoors. If you want to delve deeper and understand how you can combine nature and yoga, you can't miss this post. You'll also learn about other benefits of taking time out in the forest and meadows.
What does the term closeness to nature mean?
This word describes a deep connection to nature. When someone feels drawn to nature and thrives in it, this can be described as a nature connection. At the same time, the term encompasses love and appreciation for it.
These people will tend to pay more attention to their consumption habits than others. This means they likely live more consciously, sustainably, and mindfully. This awareness in everyday life can be attributed to their desire not to harm nature and the beauty of the planet.
In addition, such people are characterized by the following characteristics:
- When these people are exhausted, they know that nature is the place where they can recharge.
- They love being outdoors, hiking, sleeping outdoors, or eating under the open sky.
- These people are also characterized by their lack of aversion to rain, cold, or heat. This means they go outside even in snow, subzero temperatures, or rain.
How can nature support you?
If you already consider yourself to be very close to nature, you know when the right time is to go into the forest, the meadows or the park.
If, on the other hand, you are a newcomer and do not yet experience such a strong connection, these factors may suggest that you should spend more time in forests and meadows:
a) Better connection to yourself and your psyche
If everyday life is very stressful, this often has an impact on mental health. Those who are constantly busy lack relaxation and, in most cases, a connection to themselves. This, however, is essential for staying healthy and vital. Furthermore, an authentic connection to yourself ensures that you can move through life with joy and perceive more meaning.
Therefore, taking time out in the fresh air can help you get to know yourself better and discover your true self. There are no distractions and no obligations. You can concentrate fully on yourself.
Ultimately, this also has positive effects on your mental health. So many people suffer from various mental disorders that severely limit their daily lives. Even when suffering from depression, panic attacks, or severe mood swings, walks in the woods or park can be beneficial, helping to ground yourself and gain a different perspective on your life.
- If you are prone to such disorders, you should speak to a specialist and take enough time in the fresh air.
- Start with short daily walks in the woods or park. It doesn't have to be longer than 20–30 minutes to start with. Over time, as you feel it has a positive effect on your body, mind, and spirit, increase the duration.
- It may be advisable to keep some sort of diary during this time to document your states. This will help you better understand the extent to which going out is worthwhile and positive.
b) Better metabolism and balanced intestinal health
As every conscious person knows, exercise has a direct impact on your body. It can stimulate digestion and metabolism, in particular. If you've already dealt with the topic of digestion and the intestines, you know that various illnesses can arise here. If you often feel weak, sad, or are frequently ill, it's important to take care of your intestinal health. In addition to your diet, regular exercise in forests, parks, or mountains is essential.
In addition, your cardiovascular system and metabolism will improve. You may even lose weight, which naturally has a positive effect on your body. This is especially true if you exercise outdoors (jogging, cycling, or inline skating).
c) More focus on yourself and what you really want
We're often distracted by external factors, so we don't even know what we want. If this is the case for you, you can use the power, peace, and comfort of nature to focus entirely on yourself.
It's best to leave your smartphone at home when you go for a walk or a jog.
Yoga and nature: the benefits
Yogis love spending time on the mat . To get the most out of it, it's a good idea to take your yoga sessions to the park. There, you can roll out your yoga mat and practice your asanas as usual. You'll hear the gentle sounds, feel the sun on your body, and can deeply relax or work out.
- When you do yoga outside, you feel much more calm.
- The connection to yourself is easier to reach
- The sun's rays help you absorb vitamin D and feel more vital.
- You can immerse yourself in the world under the open sky, breathing deeply and moving your body.
- You are in an environment where there is no Wi-Fi emitting disruptive frequencies – instead, you hear birds chirping and a gentle breeze on your skin.
Another important point is to round off your yoga session with a meditation on your cushion . You can close your eyes or gaze into the distance and concentrate on your breathing. Over time, you'll learn to focus more and more on your inner self – without allowing yourself to be distracted.
Would you describe yourself as a nature lover? If so, what do you enjoy doing outdoors most?
