Experiencing stress at some point in our lives is common for most people. Over 70% of adults in the United States feel stressed daily. It’s one of the common effects of living in a society fueled with technology and 9-to-5 jobs, leaving many stressed, sick, and lack emotional energy to deal with the daily pressures of life.
Fortunately, despite technology taking over, there’s still an abundance of nature around us, and what better way to destress and be one with mother nature itself?
You can destress and become more attuned with your surroundings if you do the following.
Move to a Home near the Beach, River, or Farm
If you’re committed to living a more stress-free life, consider moving if you live in a bustling city and ask real estate investors to help you find the best spots away from crowded condos and complexes. Whether you move near a beach or river, the crashing waves of the water and sunshine produce a one-of-a-kind calming effect that helps you leave stress behind. However, if you’re more attracted to vast fields and animals, moving to a farm can be a great choice.
Raise a Pet
Having a pet around, no matter what animal they are can help lessen stress and improve your mood. Studies have proven that interacting with pets can increase oxytocin production, a brain chemical responsible for inducing happiness, promoting a more positive mindset. Raising a pet can also relieve stress by giving you purpose, allowing you to stay active and earn companionship, which are all factors that can help reduce anxiety.
Additionally, having a pet allows you to explore the outdoors more when you take them out for a stroll.
Plant Veggies, Flowers, and Try to Eat the Food You Grow
What better way to be one with your surroundings, reduce stress and help the environment by planting vegetables or flowers around your home. Doing this helps you become more aware of nature’s presence as a whole, allowing you to connect with nature intentionally. Additionally, gardening can reduce stress and improve your mental state. The activity can reduce your body’s cortisol levels (the hormone responsible for inducing stress) even more than other relaxing activities like reading a book.
You can enjoy even more of nature’s benefits by eating the vegetables you grow, allowing you to stay fit physically and mentally long-term.
Take More Walks and Swim More Often
Exercising is one of the most efficient and essential methods of combating stress while ‘attuning’ with nature as it’s known to relieve mental stress. When you go for a swim or take long walks in local parks, it can reduce your body’s stress hormones over time by releasing natural endorphins in your body, improving your mental health, mood, and overall well-being.
Minimize Use of Gadgets
Although smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other devices can make life easier by making everything more convenient and accessible, too much screen time can be hazardous to your health. Experts say using your phone or watching TV too much can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease. So, to avoid developing these illnesses, take the time to appreciate your surroundings more by going outside, meditating, or visiting your nearby beach to unwind and take a break from technology.
Life can be overwhelming, so take a break once in a while to help yourself stay physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy—and consider incorporating the tips mentioned into your life to destress and be happy.
