We’re almost totally open, save for New Mexico and Hawaii (at this writing). We’re finally able to tell smiles from scowls and go to restaurants, movie theaters and gyms. Does that mean it’s back to business as usual? I certainly hope not—and want to give you something poignant and practical to think about.
There’s been an unlikely beneficiary of the pandemic—the world around us. Our planet. Our natural environments. Sheltering reduced air and noise pollution, made our beaches cleaner, let wildlife reclaim built-up land and even reduced temperatures in some cities by up to 5 degrees centigrade compared to pre-lockdown periods. It’s a huge win for the planet—and us—if we stop to think about it. So many of us are tentative about jumping back into life as we knew it. We must reestablish friendships, develop new routines and maybe even force ourselves to get out there and be social.
As a wellness consultant, here’s my recommendation to help you figure things out and improve your health and happiness—and at the same time get out in nature right now as much as possible!
It’s a well-substantiated fact that being in nature is critically important to our physical and mental wellbeing. Time spent outside might not only kickstart our new routines, but it may also help us develop more sustainable habits for ourselves and the world around us. And that’s something we should all consider undertaking to keep those environmental gains we reaped over the past 18 months from dwindling away.
So, if you sense a theme here, you’re right. With almost every restriction gone, this is the perfect time to boast about the benefits of the great outdoors and get out of the house. Make an “awe walk” part of your daily routine—preferably with friends. Smell a wildflower, follow a bee, jump in a puddle, hug a tree. And don’t forget your sunscreen!
Love,
BijaB |