Anna Fullmer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She works with individuals (children through adulthood) and families.
It has been a cold, and very reluctant, spring. Despite the temperatures, the grass has greened, flowers are blooming, trees are leafing out. If you have opened a window on one of the few sunnier days, you will have heard a lot of bird activity. They are very busy right now. Spring is happening despite the weather.
Spending time outside supports a healthy mood. Vitamin D from the sun strengthens our whole body, including our nervous system. Working in the garden - putting our hands in the dirt, taking walks in the woods or natural areas, walking barefoot in our yards helps to ground us, literally and energetically. Recent studies have shown that spending some time in nature daily reduces our overall stress.
Mindfulness practices are popular right now as a way to support calming. Mindfulness simply means bringing your attention to the present moment. A simple way to practice is to sit outside, relax your breathing, and connect with each of your senses. What do you hear? What do you smell? What do you taste? What do you feel on your skin? What do you see? Your thoughts may wander, that’s okay. When you notice, simply bring your attention back to what’s happening right now.
So go outside. There are many wonders to enjoy!
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