THE BEAUTY OF NATURE

Beauty the ofNature

WRITTEN BY: SUSAN ALYNNE DAY, AB, PROFESSIONAL BLOGGER

STRATEGIC GOAL AREA ADVANCE

Ahh, Spring...

Trees are sprouting tiny green buds of leaves, birds are chirping and singing as they build their nests and the daylight is lingering a little longer each evening. Although the air is still cool at times, you can feel just a hint of warmth in its breeze. Of course, who can miss the telltale sign of the Narcissus flowers poking through the soil of their flower beds where they have been sleeping all fall and winter?

Spring has always been my favorite time of year. I have fond memories of walking to class across the “quad", with a lightness, dare I say spring in my step, visually taking in the fresh beauty surrounding me… all while dodging flying frisbees of course! Spring on campus was so full of life as students emerged from their dorms, wiping winter (or was that sleep?) from their eyes, to enjoy a walk or bike ride across campus to class.

The Creed and COVID-19

A few years have gone by since my college days full of sisterhood and yet The Creed of Alpha Sigma Alpha continues to guide my life. Written in 1933 by Wilma Wilson Sharp, the Creed states our goal of “living each day to its ultimate good” and lays out specific instructions for achieving a well-balanced life. Remembering the Creed, reciting its words and trying to live by its direction is more important than ever this spring as we venture on in our battle against COVID-19.

I wonder if Wilma Wilson Sharp could have even imagined how many of us would venture out of quarantine surprised to “find dominant beauty in...nature” in new, albeit well-masked and appropriately socially-distanced, ways? As COVID-19 continues to impact our lives in ways that once seemed unimaginable, many of us continue to seek inspiration, hope and escape most notably, I would argue, through nature.

and I went

The Nature Trend

Why You Should Go Outdoors

According to a study by the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, which promotes the growth of the national outdoor recreation economy and activities, less than 50% of Americans enjoyed an outdoor experience in 2019. However, in May of 2020, a survey by the organization found 81% of Americans spent time outside during the pandemic, with 32.5% turning to outdoor recreation for the first time in years.1 (I knew I counted more dogs (and their owners) strolling through my neighborhood during the pandemic last year!)

Like some others, it took a pandemic for my youngest son, Jace (age 12) and I to pick up a new outdoor past-time. During one gorgeous April afternoon, (which happened to follow one particularly frustrating morning filled with Zoom meetings and school), we grabbed Gracie, the ever-willing labrador, and spent a good hour and a half following a winding trail at our local county park. It was the first time we had ever explored nature together.

Reap Health Benefits

Apparently, others decided to try something new outdoors also. Psychologytoday.com reports that an activity called “forest bathing” has seen an increased number of participants since the onset of the pandemic.2

Although I have never heard of forest bathing, it sounds similar to taking a walk or a leisurely hike through the forest, while paying particular attention to the surrounding sights, sounds and smells. Importance is placed on letting go and relaxing which promotes a whole host of health benefits for your mind and body.

Forests for Public Health, a published collection of research studies citing the benefits of forest bathing, includes all of the following:

+ Increased activity and number of immune cells that fight off viruses, bacteria, and even tumors

+ Reduced blood pressure and heart rate

+ Reduced blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients

+ An increase in serums that have anti-tumorigenesis activity (adiponectin) as well as cardioprotective and anti-obesity properties

+ Balanced nervous system through the increasing activity of the parasympathetic nervous system and dampening of the sympathetic nervous system

+ Reduced stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol

+ Reduce anxiety, depression, anger, and mental fatigue

+ Increased vigor

+ Improved creativity and sleep quality.3

Even if forest bathing doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, the Outdoor Industry Association says just two hours of time spent outdoors each week is all it takes to reap some of the positive health benefits and more.4 Continue reading to discover why and how you should spend some time outdoors this spring.

See Nature

Springtime is one of the best times to witness the ever-changing beauty of nature. One day, the tree outside your front window will be covered in barely perceptible buds and by the next day the tree has exploded in blossoms. Unfortunately, you will have missed it if you aren’t spending time outdoors. You won’t notice or experience the miracle of regrowth that happens in the spring.

Spend Time with the Family

So, you spent a lot (a LOT!) of cooped-up time with your family this past year, but how many board games and Netflix-binges can one family endure together? That’s the exact reason you need to take your family bonding outdoors. Just like the Narcissus flowers are bursting from the ground with new life spreading their color, you and your family will burst with energy and excitement as you spend time outdoors together.

How to Experience the Nature Trend this Spring

Although we are still dealing with the effects of the Coronavirus, now is the perfect time to experience nature in other new and creative ways that allow us to find even more comfort (and escape) in the “dominant beauty of...nature” this season.

Work Outdoors

Are you still working from home? Set up an outdoor office on your porch or in your yard if you have a laptop or portable. If you are back in the office, schedule a walking meeting with your coworker or take your next team meeting outdoors. It might take a little forethought and set-up, but it will be worth the extra effort while promoting more empathy and cooperation among team members.

Learn Outdoors

Teachers, why not have your next class outdoors? One of the most successful classes I taught as a college yoga instructor was an impromptu class outside in the grass. Most classes could take place outside (at least every once in a while barring the need for special equipment). Students, why not study outside your dorm hall or under your favorite tree on campus?

Move Indoor Activities Outdoors

Families can eat outdoors on the patio or deck, or better yet pack a picnic to enjoy for lunch or dinner at a nearby park. Is more time indoors leading to the kids spending more time on screens? Set up a movie theater in the backyard with some ladders, a white sheet and a projector.

Head Outdoors This Spring With These Creative Ideas

WORK OUTDOORS

Set up a workstation outdoors on your porch, deck or take your laptop or paperwork to the park.

LEARN OUTDOORS

Teachers, plan an outdoor class on campus; Students, meet a study group under a tree.

DINNER & A MOVIE

Plan a picnic or just move dinner out to the patio. Hang up a white sheet & rent a projector to watch a movie under the stars.

EXERCISE OUTDOORS

If you already enjoy exercising in the great outdoors, try a new activity or route.

GO FISHING

Pick up a new hobby - catch and release fishing! Find the best places to fish near you with the Fishbait app for iOS and Android.

GO CAMPING

Pitch a tent, rent a cabin or roll in your R.V. Camping any way you want is fun. Find campgrounds and reserve your site.

TAKE NATURE PHOTOS

Be a student of nature and snap some pics of trees, birds, flowers and anything else you find beautiful.

PLANT A GARDEN

Bring nature closer to home, literally, by planting a flower or vegetable garden.

Exercise Outdoors

The more time you spend outdoors, the more likely you are to move, move, move! Outdoor activities lend themselves to exercise, which boosts your health. If you are already an outdoor exerciser...a walker, runner, biker or hiker...change up your routine by taking a new route or trail.

Go Fishing

Perhaps you are ready to mix in some other ways to engage with and spend time in nature. Why not pick up fishing? It is so relaxing, yet also exhilarating when you catch that “big one.” Find nearby fishing locations for your next trip and discover the best times to fish and what bait to use with the Fishbrain app. Download app for iOS or Android.

Many local parks with lakes also offer paddle boats, fishing boats, and canoes for rent. Remember to purchase appropriate licenses and follow all federal, state and local laws.

Go Camping

See if you have what it takes to brave the great outdoors overnight and go camping. Look for local campgrounds where you can pitch your own tent (or a borrowed one) or rent a near-by cabin for a well-deserved stay-cation. Use the Recreation.gov app (iOS) to find and make a reservation for a RV or tent site at campgrounds across the country.

Snap Some Nature Pics

This spring is the perfect time to become a student of nature. Take up nature photography by snapping pictures of anything that is of particular interest or beauty to you with your phone while spending time outside. Challenge yourself to capture colorful flowers, native birds, fluttering butterflies and other wildlife.

Plant a Garden

Have you always wanted to start a garden but never seemed to have the time? Plant a small garden by building what’s commonly called a box garden. If you can handle one box garden, build another one (or two). You can find instructions for building a box for a raised garden at https://www.lowes. com/n/how-to/how-to-build-a-raised-garden-bed. Short on space? You can start a small flower or vegetable garden in some pots on your porch, patio or deck. Just make sure there is plenty of sun wherever you decide to place your garden.

No matter why or how you choose to enjoy the outdoors this spring, remember to be a good steward of nature and leave it like you found it for others to enjoy. Perhaps your chapter could even volunteer to help keep a local popular park or nearby hiking trail clean. Spending time outdoors this spring experiencing, enjoying and finding the dominant beauty in nature, no matter your activity of choice, will promise to lead you to love life and joyously live each day to its ultimate good.

Sources

1-https://madison.com/wsj/business/as-tourism-slumps-covid-19-pandemic-boosting-wisconsins-7-8billion-outdoor-economy/article_9ff201df-63f0-5793-bf5a-c037fa8c069c.html

2-https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/between-cultures/202011/how-nature-heals

3-https://www.cambridgescholars.com/product/978-1-5275-5029-2

4-https://outdoorindustry.org/covid-19-resources-outdoor-industry/power-outdoors-covid-19/