Disconnect to Reconnect Week 1

“Go for a walk outdoors. Reconnect with the feeling of the wind blowing through your hair. Listen to the birds that live in a tree in your yard. Watch the sunset. Take time to smell the flowers that bloom in the park during the summer. The natural world is just as natural as it ever was, except there’s less of it than there was 25 years ago — and most of us don’t make a point of enjoying it often enough.”

— Skye Alexander author

Now, we must regularly remind ourselves to disconnect to reconnect with our lives. We've become so focused on that tiny screen that we forget the big picture, and our life that is right in front of us. Skye Alexander in her quote encourages us to get outside in nature. She also points out that changes in nature have occurred, resulting in diminished experiences for us, so that time is now.

“According to one study published in 2019, spending two hours a week in nature is correlated with significant increases in health and well-being. Divided up, that comes out to just under half an hour each day. However, while two hours is the magic number at which benefits of spending time outside seem to peak, it's not an all-or-nothing equation. In many studies, even indirect exposure to nature (such as being near a window that had a view of trees) was shown to have a positive impact. So, if two hours isn't realistic for your lifestyle, even working toward smaller doses may still be worth the effort. “ Hagley.org

Today ask yourself this question, when I have a break in my day what do I do with that time? If the answer is I immediately check my phone, answer the next question: is that improving my day? Even if your break is short, 2-5 minutes, look out a window, nature is constantly changing, there is never the exact same view. It’s the greatest show on earth, if we take the time to appreciate it. That time will add up, and you will reach that two-hour goal, and your physiological and mental health will benefit.