TAKE YOURSELF ON A DATE WITH NATURE THIS VALENTINES
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, the team here at Balance + Glo are encouraging you to go on a date with nature - #naturedate! Nature is one of the four pillars we focus on at Balance + Glo, alongside Move, Nourish and Care. Nature has huge benefits to our physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.
The calming effect of nature leads to lower blood pressure and reduction of stress hormones. This study by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health called it the “harmonising nature of nature” on “physiological stress reactions”. Your #naturedate doesn’t have to be like any other date, you can choose whether you go on your own or invite someone else along. It’s your choice.
Here are some ideas for your date with Nature…
Walking
Researchers at the University of Essex found that 9 out of 10 patients suffering from depression felt "higher self-esteem after a walk through a park" and almost three-quarters reported feeling less depressed. But anyone can benefit from the positive uplifting effects of walking - try it for yourself - and just evaluate your mood before and after a walk. (American Journal of Preventative Medicine)
The Isle of Wight has so many beautiful areas for walking + hiking. Take the dog, the family or pals and explore somewhere new – if you need some inspiration check out some of the Balance + Glo team’s favourite Isle Of Wight walks:
2. Geocaching
Try Geocaching with the children. It’s an outdoor recreational activity that has been dubbed “a treasure hunt for the sat-nav generation”. It uses modern technology to help little ones explore the outdoors in a fun and exciting way. You use the GPS on your phone to search for local geocaching ‘treasures’ that can be found in dense woodland, road sides, bridges and beyond!
Learn more about Geocaching here.
3. Takeaway coffee or a picnic
Instead of meeting up for a coffee inside with a friend or colleague, why not get a takeaway and walk together? Or head out with a cozy blanket and a basket of your favourite foods and find a beautiful spot for a picnic.
Want some inspo? Visit Isle of Wight have collated some of their favourite picnic spots.
4. Get on (or in) the water
The sound of the seaside has science-backed wellbeing benefits, namely in relation to relaxation. A 2013 study found that listening to natural sounds provided more relaxation than soothing music and stimulated a parasympathetic nervous system response (rest & digest state), lowered blood pressure and heart rate.
"We are beginning to learn that our brains are hardwired to react positively to water and that being near it can calm and connect us, increase innovation and insight, and even heal what's broken."
- Biologist Wallace J Nichols, Blue Mind
If you immerse yourself in the water on a brisk day, you could boost your dopamine levels by a whopping 250%, according to a study on cold water therapy. Dopamine is often called the “happy hormone” and is linked to satisfaction, motivation and pleasure.
We’re surrounded by water here on the Isle of Wight so you could always spend your #naturedate on the water, taking in the beautiful scenery and watery ecosystems. Not on the Isle of Wight? We have ONE room left for our April Find Your Flow Retreat.
5. Gardening
Your #naturedate may be to tend to your garden or join someone at their allotment for a few hours. Grow new plants that you could bring into the home to green up your space. Not only is it great physical exercise that helps release endorphins but it’s be found that nurturing plants (similar to caring for pets or children) brings a sense of purpose + responsibility.
The RHS recently ran a Campaign for School Gardening and found that 4 out of 5 teachers that signed up found it to have a positive impact on pupil wellbeing.
6. Make it a regular date
If you’re heading out to take in the view, you could time it with sunrise, sunset or on a clear night the stunning night sky. Not only could make for some beautiful #naturedate photos but when you align your body’s internal clock with that of the season it helps to balance your circadian rhythm’s and aids a peaceful sleep.
Your #naturedate could be a regular date such as a 15 minute morning walk before you start your day. Or you might want to connect with others as well as being outside so joining a local walking, running or cycling group could be a great option.
