Nature can help with stress and anxiety

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shayla stephens <shayla_123 wrote:shayla <shayla_123

shayla stephens <shayla_123

Sun, 16 Oct 2005 12:59:48 -0700 (PDT)

[AffirmationstoDe-Stress] Nature can help with stress and anxiety

 

From about.comUse Nature to Reduce Anxiety/StressHere's How:

1. Take walks. If you live in an area with any kind of nature, even tree-lined

streets, get outside and walk. Besides the benefits of exercise, walking outside

will let you soak up the sunlight and breathe the fresh air. Be sure to notice

your surroundings. Start with short walks if your anxiety is keeping you at

home. Even a walk around the block will be beneficial.

 

 

 

2. Go to nature, if it's not right outside. If you live in an urban area,

learn about all nearby parks. Start making time in your schedule to spend time

at a park on a regular basis -- walking and just sitting in the environment. If

agoraphobia makes this plan difficult at first, make traveling to a nearby park

your first goal. The beauty and serenity will be a wonderful reward.

 

 

 

3. Plant a garden. Even if you have only a tiny plot of land to use, plant

something! Gardening is stress-relieving and soothing. You may even feel an

increase in self-confidence as you create your own little spot of nature. Don't

be daunted by small areas for growing. You'd be surprised at what you can grow

along the side of your house, in container gardens on your porch, and even in

window boxes.

 

 

 

4. Make the most of your outdoor surroundings. Whether you have a yard, a

porch or just a small strip in the front yard, make it a place to sit and enjoy

nature. Hang plants on your porch. Place a bench or chair outside to encourage

yourself to stop for a moment. Learn about landscaping. Even small areas may be

maximized, inexpensively, for beauty and enjoyment.

 

 

 

5. Bring nature indoors. Open your windows whenever you can. Put a chair in

the sunlight and sit with your eyes closed as you imagine the beach. Have as

many house plants as you can; they help your air stay healthy and the sight of

all that greenery will be soothing. Grow herbs on your windowsill. Get a

decorative water fountain; you'll find these in a wide range of prices and

styles.

 

6. Decorate your home with nature in mind. Find artwork with nature themes.

When you are outdoors, find rocks, pebbles, feathers or other natural elements

to bring indoors. Place a bowl of fruit on your table. Buy flowers. Look for

natural cleaning products as well as all-natural materials (such as bedding) for

your home. Paint your home in earthy tones. Use " outdoor " decorations indoors.

 

 

 

7. Adopt a pet. Companion animals have been shown to reduce stress and improve

health in many research studies. Besides the companionship and affection pets

bring, they are also a reminder of nature. If it's possible for you to have a

pet, you will find many benefits from finding the right companion for you!

 

 

 

8. Notice the outdoor animal world. Adopting a pet may or may not be an

option, but in any case, watching the animals outdoors is a soothing

distraction. If possible, consider placing birdfeeders in sight of your windows.

Otherwise, start to notice animal activity in the early morning and around dusk.

You'll be surprised at how entertaining squirrels, rabbits, and other creatures

can be.

 

 

 

9. Learn about night-time nature. Find out about the stars and the moon.

Consider purchasing a telescope. This is an especially wonderful hobby to begin

if you have children. If you don't, explore the sky with the wonder of a child.

 

 

 

10. Appreciate the weather. Start noticing the beauty of your seasons

(wherever you live) rather than lamenting the heat or the snow or the rain. Of

course you can't love these every day, but if you try to start enjoying each

kind of weather more, you may find yourself happier with your surroundings

overall. One way to do this is to go outside when it's raining or snowing, and

just play in it!

 

 

 

11. Take a trip with nature in mind. If you're able to travel, consider all

the natural possibilities available. You might decide on going camping with the

basics, or, if you're not ready for that, just stay at a hotel near a natural

environment, where you may swim, hike, or otherwise enjoy nature. If this isn't

possible for you, consider making it a goal. If it is possible, do it as often

as you can!

 

 

 

12. Think about moving. If you truly hate where you live, if it's noisy or

smelly or too hot or too cold, consider your options. This is an extreme step,

and one you wouldn't want to make impulsively. However, take some serious time

to think about how your surroundings are influencing your sense of well-being.

Perhaps you can change the problems. If not, it may be time for a bigger change.

 

Tips:

Don't be overwhelmed by the many suggestions here. Start small. Pick what

appeals to you and go from there.

 

 

Don't be angry with yourself if a phobia keeps you from enjoying nature in

the way you would like. First, find other ways to bring nature into your life.

Second, reach your goal of getting to the natural surroundings you enjoy by

creating a set of small steps that eventually will take you there. Practice a

little each day.

 

 

Besides bringing nature into your life, consider unhealthy aspects of your

environment that you may want to remove. Even a hated paint color on the wall

may influence your state of mind. There is much you can do to eliminate unwanted

sights, sounds and smells.

 

More How To's from your Guide To Panic/Anxiety Disorders

 

 

 

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