Today marks the official start of summer, also know as summer solstice, the longest day of sunlight. This season reminds us to pay attention to something that we are grateful for, i.e. longer days, easier living, more time outside.
We feel better physically and mentally when we spend time outside.
We eat better when we feel better.
We want more of those good feelings.
There is nothing like stress at work or with our families to take us away from the good feelings that we get when we are more relaxed and feel more connected to what is real.
The earth is real.
The grass under bare feet is real.
The sun is real. It can be relied upon to go down at night and come up in the morning.
The birds are real.
The extra oxygen in a forest of trees is real.
The waves at the ocean are real.
The wind through the trees is real.
The serenity that comes from being lakeside is real.
A campfire is real (not to mention primal).
You are real.
Breakdowns in healthy eating, sleeping and exercising come from stress. One of the biggest sources of stress is feeling like we need to be "connected" at all times to things, people, events, reactions, situations that may not have any importance to us--but rob us of our calm. Technology is "artificial intelligence." We need it. We benefit from it, but it doesn't make us feel calm, grounded or centered. It distracts us and contributes to the racing mind that continues to respond, activate adrenaline and increase cortisol. It is the polar opposite of mindfulness.
The message is to take time, make time, enjoy time in nature without the phone. Listen to the sounds, observe the view, breathe in the air of the trees, notice the heat from the sun and the coolness of a fresh breeze on your skin. This will dial down the stress and improve the mood.
When you feel better, you do better.
You deserve to feel great.
Start today.
You are worth it.
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