So much of our daily lives are spent indoors that sometimes we feel like Margot, the little girl locked in the closet, in Ray Bradbury’s All Summer in a Day. Luckily, we have windows to see the outside world, but it’s not as good as feeling the sun warm your skin, the wind lift your hair, or the cool patter of rainfall on your upturned face. Sitting in front of a computer all day may pay the bills, but it certainly doesn’t seem to enrich your life in any other way. In fact, more and more people are suffering from stress-related disorders like sleeplessness and fatigue, anxiety and depression, and even hypertension (as well as more serious disorders). So what can you do to beat the office blues? Simple: head outdoors. And here are a few ways to get back to nature.
- Visit a park. You may not realize it (especially if you don’t have kids) but there are plenty of parks in your area (most cities have a required number of parks per capita). Leave your cell phone, iPod, and laptop at home, grab a book and a blanket, and wiggle your toes in the grass for awhile. You’ll be surprised by how therapeutic an hour in the park can be (and you can squeeze it into your lunch break).
- Take a hike. If you exercise anyway, why not do it in the wilderness instead of on a machine? Sure it gives you time to catch up on your soaps, but when you get off the treadmill you always have this nagging feeling that you haven’t gone anywhere. By hitting a local hiking trail, you’re workout will go by fast as you drink in the beauty of your natural surroundings and inhale a little dose of happiness with every lungful of fresh air.
- Volunteer with Parks and Rec. If you want to work a little activism into your daily routine and still enjoy the great outdoors, consider donating some time to the Department of Parks and Recreation. They have all kinds of programs for kids that you can help with (lead nature hikes, set up a stargazing seminar, etc.) as well as many ways to work towards a cleaner environment (plant trees, pick up trash, etc.). Whatever activity you choose, you will not only be giving something of yourself, you will be getting something back from nature.
- Create a garden. This activity can be fulfilling on more than a spiritual level (although weeding can certainly take you to your Zen place). You will have a tangible accomplishment to feel proud of when your flowers begin to bloom, and if you plant fruits and vegetables, you can also enjoy healthy, organic produce.
- Go camping. There’s no better way to get back to nature than a camping trip. Separated from society by miles of wilderness, you have a chance to really slow down and let go of all the pent-up anxieties that have plagued you in your busy career. So unplug your life and marvel at the splendor that is all around you. It can really put things in perspective and leaving you feeling like a new (and improved) person.
Michelle Wells is a writer for the website Therapist Schools. You can browse the site to find information about educational therapist jobs and countless others.
