The benefits of being in nature are many...
Standing barefoot on the earth reduces inflammation, stabilises our blood glucose and balances all of our body systems from the endocrine system to the nervous system.
Standing out in the rain resets our nervous system, helps us absorb vitamin B12, balances our hormones and helps us release happy hormones.
Our bodies need to see dusk and dawn in order for our body systems including our liver to function well.
Sunlight is essential for optimal hormone balance, boosting our mood and even influencing the microbes in our gut (https://www.instagram.com/p/CstwORtIU0m/?img_index=1).
Being in the woods has been shown to reduce the production of cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline, lower blood pressure, boost immunity and increase our Natural Killer cell production which helps us fight cancers.
Even seeing trees helps us to feel less stressed let alone being amongst them.
Pine trees in particular release chemicals that are bronchodilators and help us to breathe better. They also release a high concentration of phytoncides (like airborne essential oils) which help boost our immunity.
Moving in nature provides similar benefits to meditation for our brains.
Spending quality time with close girlfriends, as we once would have done all of the time living in community, can boost our progesterone production and decrease PMS symptoms.
Sitting by a fire and gazing into it shifts the brain into theta brainwaves which occur when you’re falling asleep or awake but in a very deeply relaxed state of mind.
Listening to birdsong has been shown to reduce feelings of anxiety, depression and paranoia.
When you piece together all of the many ways nature heals us it becomes clear that it is our natural home and if we want to thrive we need to return and be immersed in her magic. It is as simple as that.
Join my Patreon community for rewilding practices to explore these benefits and so much more. Try it for free for 7 days.
https://patreon.com/wildwomanclub
Carly x
