Photos Taken By: Carrie Porter
I developed my love for nature when I moved to Texas in 2013. I'm originally from Chicago where the land is flat, there are tall buildings everywhere, it's really busy, and you only get to experience nature in good weather between April-October. When I came to Texas I loved feeling closer to the sun, seeing so much green, trees everywhere, hills on the highways, and witnessing so much beautiful land. It took me a few more years, 2015 to be exact, to truly appreciate all aspects of nature that would turn out to be healing for my mental health.
Over the last few years, I've captured hundreds of images that are buried in my phone as I traveled throughout Texas. Sometimes my excitement shocked my peers as I'd snap a shot of a bird or a beautiful stretch of scenery. So for my 38th birthday last week I bought a new camera and I'm in love. I've been capturing the most beautiful images of plants, flowers, animals, and the elements. After a rough patch over the last 2 years, it feels so good and refreshing to get back into nature and aid my mental healing. Here are a few benefits that nature offers us for free, if we choose to indulge!
1. Nature offers Peace And Calmness To Balance The Daily Stresses Of Life (Work, Parenting, Bills, Etc.)
Nature aids us in balancing out our daily stresses. Whether we're busy at work, busy parenting, dealing with extra curriculum activities, or stressing over bills, life can be overwhelming at times. How often do we have time, or better yet, make time to get out in nature? To get some sun? To hug a tree? If you haven't made time to do so, I'm here to tell you that nature will help balance out the rough days you have behind four walls at work, and the time you spend behind 4 doors in cars commuting to work. The beauty outside alone will make you smile. The silence allows you to stand still and gather your thoughts. Breathe slowly for a minute, listen to the wind, the trees, and the flow of the water. It's truly a calming and peaceful experience.
2. Some of the Best Hobbies Take Place Outside (Health)
If you didn't know, now you know. Some of the best hobbies take place out in nature and provides many health benefits. Photography, running, jogging, walking, swimming, hiking, bike riding, camping, etc. are just a few hobbies that will make you a healthier person if engaging in them regularly. We all know that if you improve your physical health, you also improve your mental health and clarity. A healthy person is a happy person so you'll be killing two birds with one stone. I walk at least 5 days a week outside for 30-45min. I make this a priority to keep my blood pressure down, to balance out my work challenges, and to make sure that I'm getting my daily dose of sunlight since I work indoors 5 days a week. I need my Vitamin D. Lol If you don't have a hobby that promotes being outdoors, I recommend you pick one, and enjoy some healthy activities.
1. Nature offers Peace And Calmness To Balance The Daily Stresses Of Life (Work, Parenting, Bills, Etc.)
Nature aids us in balancing out our daily stresses. Whether we're busy at work, busy parenting, dealing with extra curriculum activities, or stressing over bills, life can be overwhelming at times. How often do we have time, or better yet, make time to get out in nature? To get some sun? To hug a tree? If you haven't made time to do so, I'm here to tell you that nature will help balance out the rough days you have behind four walls at work, and the time you spend behind 4 doors in cars commuting to work. The beauty outside alone will make you smile. The silence allows you to stand still and gather your thoughts. Breathe slowly for a minute, listen to the wind, the trees, and the flow of the water. It's truly a calming and peaceful experience.
2. Some of the Best Hobbies Take Place Outside (Health)
If you didn't know, now you know. Some of the best hobbies take place out in nature and provides many health benefits. Photography, running, jogging, walking, swimming, hiking, bike riding, camping, etc. are just a few hobbies that will make you a healthier person if engaging in them regularly. We all know that if you improve your physical health, you also improve your mental health and clarity. A healthy person is a happy person so you'll be killing two birds with one stone. I walk at least 5 days a week outside for 30-45min. I make this a priority to keep my blood pressure down, to balance out my work challenges, and to make sure that I'm getting my daily dose of sunlight since I work indoors 5 days a week. I need my Vitamin D. Lol If you don't have a hobby that promotes being outdoors, I recommend you pick one, and enjoy some healthy activities.
Photo Taken By: Carrie Porter
3. Gain Appreciation For Plants and Animals
Being out in nature gives you a certain level of appreciation for plants, animals, and the environment. When I'm out walking, I enjoy watching the birds, squirrels, and bugs moving about. They make me realize how big the world is, how precious life is, and how grateful I am to have the ability to continue my journey. I realize that their circle of life is no different than ours. Last week I was a trinity river and watched a family of turtles in the water. A little further down that river I observed a family of ducks, and I actually caught a bee pollinating on a sunflower. A few years ago I would not have been interested or found joy in these little moments in time, but it is truly pure joy in my spirit. I took a few minutes listening to the water flowing, and felt a rush of energy through my body. I zoomed in on trees and imagined how old they were. I noticed that the type of leaves on trees varied, and patches of grass that were way to dry. The focus and attention to details in nature are good for your mental health because it fills you with gratitude and appreciation. The peaceful feelings is surreal at times.
Being out in nature gives you a certain level of appreciation for plants, animals, and the environment. When I'm out walking, I enjoy watching the birds, squirrels, and bugs moving about. They make me realize how big the world is, how precious life is, and how grateful I am to have the ability to continue my journey. I realize that their circle of life is no different than ours. Last week I was a trinity river and watched a family of turtles in the water. A little further down that river I observed a family of ducks, and I actually caught a bee pollinating on a sunflower. A few years ago I would not have been interested or found joy in these little moments in time, but it is truly pure joy in my spirit. I took a few minutes listening to the water flowing, and felt a rush of energy through my body. I zoomed in on trees and imagined how old they were. I noticed that the type of leaves on trees varied, and patches of grass that were way to dry. The focus and attention to details in nature are good for your mental health because it fills you with gratitude and appreciation. The peaceful feelings is surreal at times.
Photo Taken By: Carrie Porter
4. You Feel Happier
Overall, you just feel happier in nature, and that alone can aid in better mental health. If you don't believe me, try this. When you're having a bad or stressful day, visit the closest park nearby and just walk. You don't have to be in workout clothes or prepare in advance, just go out and walk. Take a few deep breaths and just enjoy the scenery. Look around at the trees, the water, look down at the animals. After about 20min, ask yourself why you're upset, and is it that serious. I believe after you take time out in nature, you'll feel better than staying in doors and dealing with the situations. Nature is healing, it's calming, and soothing to your soul and I recommend that you make time to get out in nature to build you mental health in a positive direction.
Sending you all Love, Peace, and Light.
Sincerely,
~Carrie P.~
Overall, you just feel happier in nature, and that alone can aid in better mental health. If you don't believe me, try this. When you're having a bad or stressful day, visit the closest park nearby and just walk. You don't have to be in workout clothes or prepare in advance, just go out and walk. Take a few deep breaths and just enjoy the scenery. Look around at the trees, the water, look down at the animals. After about 20min, ask yourself why you're upset, and is it that serious. I believe after you take time out in nature, you'll feel better than staying in doors and dealing with the situations. Nature is healing, it's calming, and soothing to your soul and I recommend that you make time to get out in nature to build you mental health in a positive direction.
Sending you all Love, Peace, and Light.
Sincerely,
~Carrie P.~
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