7 practices designed to soothe the nervous system and help you come into better relaxation and calm
Day 7 - Time in Nature
Bring it all together with a phone-free walk in nature
The Practice
• Choose a time when you can go for a walk in nature
• Building on some of the practices throughout this week, this works best if you go without your phone and therefore are able to limit distractions
• If you really do need to take your phone, try putting it on flight mode and putting it in a pocket that is not easily accessible (i.e. inside a backpack)
• Walk slowly, stop to smell and touch a tree or some leaves. Keep coming back to your breath and try to really stay present with the beauty that’s around you
• Try to build this, and all the other practices, into your daily or weekly routine
The Logic
• Being in green spaces lowers levels of cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone
• Natural environments increase feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine while reducing anxiety and negative thought loops
• Spending time among trees and plants reduces resting heart rate and blood pressure
• A simple, joyful way to build more physical activity into your week
