Spending Time With Nature

 "A walk in nature walks the soul back home." ~Mary Davis 

These very words came to mind yesterday as I hiked along the trails of Calvert Cliffs State Park located in Lusby, Maryland. When I arrived around noon it was a pleasant 66°f with sunshine and a light breeze. Much of the Red Trail is tree lined and provides ample shade with a few open sky views alongside protected wetlands to and from the beach.

Calvert Cliffs State Park Beach

Pink Mountain Laurel blossoms brightened the landscape as turtles sunned on logs surrounded by water lily pads and their blooms. Bird songs and frog croaks filled the air with nature's praise. It was an absolute delight to the senses! 

Mountain Laurel Blossoms

Eastern Painted Turtle

Spending time in nature offers many benefits for our health. Nature provides for us holistically as it nurtures our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Outdoor green spaces can be found in cities, towns, gardens, rural farms, parks, zoos, and botanical arboretums. 

Creating indoor green spaces with natural elements can give our home, school, and office a sense of serenity:

• natural lighting
• water features
• nature-inspired art
• plants, herbs, succulents
• an aquarium, terrarium, or vivarium
• woven fabrics
• wicker, wood, stone 

Little treasures to collect outdoors to display indoors for an earthy, eco-friendly vibe:

• pine cones
• pebbles
• rocks
• shells
• feathers
• flowers and herbs
• seeds
• pieces of driftwood and bamboo

Water Lilies

Walking through state parks, public forest trails, along seashores, and in nature preserves are generally safe options to explore. Avoid going to unfamiliar territory, or anywhere with potential hazards because it is important to feel safe when spending time in nature to allow the parasympathetic nervous system to activate and encourage relaxation. This will lower stress hormone levels, blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and improve mood. Being out-of-doors during sunlight hours for 10-30 minutes daily boosts our Vitamin D levels,that support immune function, reduce inflammation, cancer cell growth and help control infection. You may also find, that after spending time with nature, sleep quality will improve, and your focus will be sharper during waking hours. All of these are important for optimal wellness and longevity. 

May is Mental Health Awareness month and it is an important reminder to make our physical and mental health a priority. We can support each other through meaningful connections, attentive listening, and building a sense of belonging. Connecting with each other and with nature, profits our overall health in home and community life. 

If you'd like to learn more, the Mental Health Foundation of the UK published an insightful research article on how spending time in nature benefits our mental health- Mental Health Foundation , and the Child Mind Institute explains Why Kids Need to Spend Time in Nature .

Playing outside enhances children's cognitive function and supports their physical development. Learning outdoors and engaging in nature study helps children develop problem solving skills. It can increase their social-emotional health, give a sense of independence, boost confidence, and nurture a lifelong appreciation of the natural world. Children who grow up exploring the outdoors are more mindful to care for the earth than those who spend most of their time indoors occupied with technological devices. Fresh air combined with outdoor activities will help them grow strong and stay fit. 

Children can draw, write, and record outdoor experiences in a personal nature journal that will grow with them. See my post on Keeping a Nature Journal 

With the constant demands of modern life and the instant accessibility we have with our cellphones, it can wreak havoc on our mental and physical health. Turning off phone notifications and intentionally putting it away while spending time with nature can help us to relax and be more mindful of the present. God did not create us to be glued to electronic devices or bound to social media platforms. This vast wide world was created for our enjoyment and use. Creation invites and beckons us to be responsible environmental stewards for the prosperity of future generations. 

Beaver Lodge in the Lake

Time spent in nature increases our awareness and connection to the natural world. It teaches us how important it is to protect the environment with sustainable conservation practices. 

We can be green and serene! 

Click here to plan a visit and download a guide and map of Calvert Cliffs State Park. 

Exploring the World Day-by-Day; Capturing Nature's Wondrous Display! ~Jen

Despite the differences that exist between political, cultural, religious, or national values, we all share the common need for a healthy, clean, sustainable global environment.

All photos were taken at Calvert Cliffs State Park along the Red Trail to the Beach.