This is very helpful, and a good reminder. I "have" to take care of my horses daily, so I'm out every day regardless of the weather. I love it some days more than others 🤣
I'm also jealous you get to live in those mountains, that's where my heart is at home. Someday I'll move back down again.
Yes, I can see how when you have to be out in it working v.s. going out to observe, breathe, and meditate in it would be different experiences.
My brother is a framer and he works outside in all weather. To get different benefits from nature; he camps and mountain bikes.
Part of that same study from china summarized that men seemed to get a physiological response better by "doing" in nature and women got a better psychological response by just "being" in nature. How interesting is that?
Intentionally going to just "be" in nature is as important as "doing" in the outdoors.
This place has always, always had such a strong pull on me to stay here. No matter where I visit, at some point, I just want to be here at home.
I agree, there's just something about them that is amazing! I didn't go back home (my family is there) for a year and a half during the pandemic and I almost cried when I got back!
Very fascinating about the differences between men and women! I find that the horses help me a lot to connect, just by being with them even if I am doing mundane chores.
For sure this area has changed. Landslides, 40% of our trees are downed, the debris from widespread flooding and in some areas 1000 year geological events.
I have many many pictures of these areas around me but I haven't been able to get myself to post them.
Watching all of that happen from 9 hours away was gut wrenching. We were there just a week before the storm. We just got back from a visit a week ago and it was so very hard to see all the changes. I know things will recover, they'll never be the same but they will recover, but it's still so painful to see.
Nature has always been a balm for me as well! When things aren't so smooth in my head, I know a walk will always do me wonders, and even better if I can get out on a trail. Many people talk about the importance of the vagal nerve, but few point out that it ends in the uterus which is fascinating to me.
Reading this: “there is a reduction in cardiac vagal activity and a shift to sympathetic dominance in the luteal phase compared with the follicular phase…” proves that we are prone to mood fluctuations in the second half of the cycle (all the more reason to get outside and invite the parasympathetic nervous system to come online). I think winter and cold and the shorter, darker days easily provide excuses to not get outside (speaking from experience), but the little bit of effort it takes to bundle up has had lasting. positive effects for me.
Perfect article to read as I'm closing out a Sunday. I feel like I've taken a lovely walk through nature which although is possible right now it's not practical because it just snowed and I hate snow.
I used to belong to a winter women's walking group and while we walked we learned things about nature and the Preserve we were walking in. This article reminded me of that.
I don't get any particular feelings from being out in nature like you do but I know that it helps me because it wasn't until it got taken away during the pandemic that I really felt the effects of not being able to go outside.
My husband and I love to go for walks (we have beautiful trails) but I've been a little bit of a party pooper lately from dealing with perimenopause stuff. I am determined to get back out there into our routine this year! And such cute tootsies in your Tevas!
This is magical! The Blue Ridge Mountains caught my eye… I’m wanting to move to that area. Any recommendations on cities?!?
Yes, plenty of recommendations. I think it depends on what your living priorities are.
First and foremost I want to live somewhere the land hugs me (I know that’s not searchable on Google lol)
I don’t mind smaller towns with walkable access to the community (like “downtown” areas) LGBTQ+ positive, welcoming and magical in its own way. lol
Asheville may be your city. ❤️
I will add it to the list
Thank you! 🙏 ✨💚
This is very helpful, and a good reminder. I "have" to take care of my horses daily, so I'm out every day regardless of the weather. I love it some days more than others 🤣
I'm also jealous you get to live in those mountains, that's where my heart is at home. Someday I'll move back down again.
Yes, I can see how when you have to be out in it working v.s. going out to observe, breathe, and meditate in it would be different experiences.
My brother is a framer and he works outside in all weather. To get different benefits from nature; he camps and mountain bikes.
Part of that same study from china summarized that men seemed to get a physiological response better by "doing" in nature and women got a better psychological response by just "being" in nature. How interesting is that?
Intentionally going to just "be" in nature is as important as "doing" in the outdoors.
This place has always, always had such a strong pull on me to stay here. No matter where I visit, at some point, I just want to be here at home.
The North Carolina Mountains are so mystical.
I agree, there's just something about them that is amazing! I didn't go back home (my family is there) for a year and a half during the pandemic and I almost cried when I got back!
Very fascinating about the differences between men and women! I find that the horses help me a lot to connect, just by being with them even if I am doing mundane chores.
For sure this area has changed. Landslides, 40% of our trees are downed, the debris from widespread flooding and in some areas 1000 year geological events.
I have many many pictures of these areas around me but I haven't been able to get myself to post them.
Watching all of that happen from 9 hours away was gut wrenching. We were there just a week before the storm. We just got back from a visit a week ago and it was so very hard to see all the changes. I know things will recover, they'll never be the same but they will recover, but it's still so painful to see.
Nature has always been a balm for me as well! When things aren't so smooth in my head, I know a walk will always do me wonders, and even better if I can get out on a trail. Many people talk about the importance of the vagal nerve, but few point out that it ends in the uterus which is fascinating to me.
Reading this: “there is a reduction in cardiac vagal activity and a shift to sympathetic dominance in the luteal phase compared with the follicular phase…” proves that we are prone to mood fluctuations in the second half of the cycle (all the more reason to get outside and invite the parasympathetic nervous system to come online). I think winter and cold and the shorter, darker days easily provide excuses to not get outside (speaking from experience), but the little bit of effort it takes to bundle up has had lasting. positive effects for me.
100%
Come visit me and I'll take you to the most magical places. 🤗
Perfect article to read as I'm closing out a Sunday. I feel like I've taken a lovely walk through nature which although is possible right now it's not practical because it just snowed and I hate snow.
I used to belong to a winter women's walking group and while we walked we learned things about nature and the Preserve we were walking in. This article reminded me of that.
I don't get any particular feelings from being out in nature like you do but I know that it helps me because it wasn't until it got taken away during the pandemic that I really felt the effects of not being able to go outside.
My husband and I love to go for walks (we have beautiful trails) but I've been a little bit of a party pooper lately from dealing with perimenopause stuff. I am determined to get back out there into our routine this year! And such cute tootsies in your Tevas!