Are You Nature Deprived?

Nature is calling, are you listening?

You’ve been in your computer all week, glued to your desk or smart phone, or sitting in board meetings from sun up to sun down. You’re feeling a bit stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, and a little “blue.” Could it be that you’re nature deprived?

Nature is all around us, calling us to come out and unwind. Yet we rarely find time to walk in it or sit and gaze at its wonders. That was my life for awhile. All work, rarely time to play in the great outdoors. Eventually that lifestyle took a tole, leaving me battling the effects of stress. Thankfully, I was quick to learn. Nature called me, I listened, and my health improved. Praise God!

I get that it’s difficult to find time for nature, but it is possible. If we have time for the gym, lunch with friends, a good book, TV, or social media, then we probably have time for nature.

Numerous studies have shown that nature deprivation can have a negative effect on our health. Nature deficit disorder, a phrase coined by author Richard Louv in his book Last Child in the Woods , echoes that thought. Louv suggests that human beings, especially children, are spending less time outdoors, resulting in a wide range of behavioral problems. I don’t even have to read the book to recognize that he’s right. When I’m not out interacting with nature for even a day or two, I feel the negative effects. Thankfully my dogs are always pulling me away from my desk, reminding me to walk outside and play!

Whether I’m walking on the beach, meandering through the woods, or hiking along a mountain trail, being in nature makes me feel happy, healthy, and hopeful. Mostly, it makes me feel closer to God, which fills me with indescribable joy!

June is Great Outdoors Month. May I encourage you to take a walk in nature, unwind, take care of your body and mind, and connect with God through creation. Even a few minutes a day outdoors can make a positive difference in our mood and outlook on life. There’s beauty everywhere! Soak it in my friends, every chance you get.

Here are a few possible health benefits to motivate you:

• Improves mood 😊
• Boosts the immune system.
• Lowers blood pressure.
• Reduces stress.
• Increases ability to focus
• Speeds up recovery from surgery or illness.
• Increases energy level.
• Improves sleep.

Hopefully this little blog post has encouraged you to get outside today. May you be refreshed by nature, and feel closer to God through His marvelous creation. Enjoy these inspiring nature quotes in honor of this special month.

Happy Great Outdoors Month. Be well!

Leila xx

Heavenly Father, thank you for all your blessings, poured out to us through nature!

“The earth has music for those who listen.” – William Shakespeare

“If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” – Vincent Van Gogh

“Nature gives every evidence of being intelligently designed.” – Dr. Edgar Andrews

“For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver.” – Martin Luther

“Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering.”

– Augustine

“God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars.” – Martin Luther

---

 

Subscribe to my Mailing List 

Leila’s Amazon Author Central

Pawz & Pray Ministry

An interactive 5-step journey to knowing God

 

All content © Leila Grandemange, PawzandPray.com. Re-Blogging and Republishing Guidelines