TAKE A HIKE! (Literally)
I work in retail. Taking a walk in the woods is one of my favorite ways to decompress from being “peopled-out.” I have been blessed to grow up on the Erie Canal, spend the early days of my marriage living in the north woods of Minnesota, then near the foothills of the Rockies, and now I get to take in all of the trails in the “Evergreen state” of Washington. Adjectives such as magical, peaceful, calming, restorative are just a few that can be used to describe what a walk is like. The smells of moss in the woods, leaves baking in the sun, a light rain while hiking. The sound of wind high up in the pines, or when it causes the leaves to rustle, birds singing. Then the powerful effects of fresh air.
Nature can have a variety of benefits: help relieve periods of anxiety; foster creativity and give you an uninterrupted space to solve problems; going for walks in nature regularly can help lower blood pressure and help with weight loss; and per research done by the Environmental Health and Preventative Medicine walking in the woods has been linked to improve immune function.
Use Google Maps to look for parks and trails and nature areas in your community. Community boards are a great place to find trail recommendations. Use apps such as AllTrails and TrailLink to find trails that have been rated and reviewed.
When you walk, focus on what you see and smell and hear around you. I keep my phone in my pocket and on vibrate and don’t look at it. The only technology that goes with me is my camera to capture the beauty. Walk slower than you would on a normal day to be able to pay attention to the little things…a new flower you don’t recognize, greenery, birds, a squirrel darting across the path. Do deep breathing in and out. I do this when I am on a trail as my way to let go of stresses I have held onto.
Let walking somewhere in nature feed your soul and recharge your mind and body.
TODAY’S RECIPE:
Omelette with spinach and mushrooms.
Ingredients: Eggs, mushrooms and fresh spinach, optional onion, pepper and salt as desired.
Preparation:
Add salt and pepper to beaten eggs in a bowl. Add a little oil to a non-stick pan that is always ready hot over medium heat. Mushrooms and onion are sauteed until soft. Cook the spinach in the pan until it has wilted. Once the eggs are set, pour them over the vegetables. Serve the heated omelette folded in half.
ENJOY!
“As you grow older, you will discover that you two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” Maya Angelou
Have a great week ahead. The first official day of Spring is almost here! Thanks for being here. See you next week for Self-Care Post Four
Lemon and Rosemary 