Having effortlessly transitioned into acting, Fouzia's debut film swiftly captured global acclaim, earning accolades at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival
“I like to play indoors better, ‘cause that’s where all the electrical outlets are”, Richard Louv quotes a character in his book Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder. Considering that the book was published in 2005, I can only wonder how much more dependent we’ve become on our devices now.
Research shows that our relationship with nature — how much time we spend, how much we notice, think about and appreciate our natural surroundings — is vital for our mental well-being. It says those who had access to open spaces were better able to cope with the gloom of the pandemic.
And what I found especially interesting is that even people simply noticing nature, have felt benefits. This is important, as it helps us to understand how deeply connected we are, and how important it is to rekindle this relationship. Just like in a friendship with someone, there is always something new to learn and enjoy about each other. And the more time we spend together, the better our connection, the stronger our vibe.
Here’s how to reconnect with Mother Nature and tap into her immense energy:
1 Soak in the sun
There’s nothing more comforting than stepping out for 10-15 minutes and soaking in some sun. Health benefits include a better mood, stronger brain function, lower blood pressure, stronger muscles, less inflammation, and greater prevention from heart disease.
2 Grounding or Earthing
This simply means walking barefoot on grass or sand, to experience the electromagnetic energy that the ground emits. Feel the texture of the earth touching your skin, and take a few mindful breaths. Visualise roots coming out from under your feet and going down to the core of Mother Earth, feeling her nurturing energy. Try this beautiful practice when you feel spaced out or overwhelmed.
3 Bring green in
Bring plants and flowers into your home or office to remind yourself of the deep connection with nature. Indoor plants offer health benefits and also purify the air you breathe, boost your mood, and even strengthen your creativity and productivity.
4 Deep connection
Spending time in nature instantly reduces stress and boosts our mood. Deepen your connection with the earth by hugging a tree. I mean it, drop the awkwardness, go to a tree, place your palms and your forehead on it and give it gratitude and love. See for yourself how you feel. Trees do have healing power, the Japanese swear by it and regularly practice ‘forest bathing’.
5 Visualise
And lastly, if you don’t have access to open spaces and nature, don’t despair. Bring it alive in your mind. Visualise. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and feel the softness of soil under your feet, smell the forest air, feel the warm sunshine on your skin, maybe few light raindrops, listen to the birds or rustling of the leaves and fully enjoy this experience.
Ralph Waldo Emerson claimed in his 1836 essay Nature, “In the woods,” he wrote, “I feel that nothing can befall me [. . .] which nature cannot repair.”
Remember our planet is alive, just as we are. The more we connect to the Earth’s energy, the more we can experience the well-being benefits that are naturally there for us whenever we need them. Happy Earth Day.
wknd@khaleejtimes.com
Connect with Delna Mistry Anand across social media @DelnaAnand
Having effortlessly transitioned into acting, Fouzia's debut film swiftly captured global acclaim, earning accolades at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival
Parag, who reached his 50 off 34 balls, cracked 25 runs with three fours and two sixes off the final over bowled by star South Africa paceman Anrich Nortje
Fans were left scratching their heads when Mumbai opted to take Bumrah out of the attack after he bowled the fourth over
With the help of modern equipment, manicured golf courses and elite athletes the scores are getting lower and the game becoming even more captivating
With 10 matches remaining Arsenal lead a three-way title race having won eight successive games
Three separate Israeli strikes on Wednesday, including on a health centre in the border village of Habariyeh, killed 11 civilians
Netanyahu tries to soothe a rift with Biden as he plans to send a government delegation to Washington after earlier cancelling the trip
Among the 24 horses Japan has sent to Dubai is impressive Riyadh Dirt Sprint winner Remake who eyes a Middle East double