Sara Macdonald BA, MFHT, ILM

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SARA MACDONALD

Massage Therapist, Reflexologist & Yoga Practitioner

Phone : 07787 575 119 

Opening hours: Appointment only

The Essential Guide to Natural Health: Connecting with Nature

In today’s hectic world, where technology and modern life disrupts much of our everyday lives, it’s easy to lose our connection with nature. However, as we become increasingly isolated from nature, we can experience a decline in our mental, physical, and emotional health. The solution is to reconnect with nature and take an integrated approach to health.

The Impact of Environment on Health

From the ancient philosophers to modern science, mankind has always sought peace, and healing within nature. Natural health stems from the belief that our bodies, brains, and spirits are inextricably entwined with mother nature. More than just admiring the landscape; it is about connecting with the earth’s inherent rhythms and allowing our bodies to align with them to be in the best of health.

Physical benefits to health

There is little doubt that spending time outside provides physical benefits. Studies have shown that outdoor activities such as yoga, walking, hiking, and even gardening improve cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, and promote immunological function.

The technique of ‘earthing’, or walking barefoot on grass, soil or sand, is known to lower inflammation, enhance sleep quality, read on to find out more on maximising your sleep, and increase vitality. The grounding impact also helps to neutralise free radicals, reduce stress, and boost overall health that when our bodies come into close contact with the Earth.

Cognitive Clarity and Stress Relief

In addition, research has shown that spending time in green settings helps lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), reduce anxiety, and improve focus and cognitive function. Forest bathing, known as Shinrin-yoku, is a famous Japanese technique that involves immersing oneself in the forest environment and has been linked to lower stress and better mental health.

Stepping away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immersing oneself in the sights, sounds, and fragrances of nature allows the mind to relax and reenergise. The break from continual stimulus such as people and technology, allows the brain to regain balance, resulting in increased mental clarity with a focused approach to life.

Mental well-being

Nature has been frequently associated with soul-healing effects. Being in nature, surrounded by trees, rivers, mountains, and wildlife, has a powerfully therapeutic effect. This connection to the land creates a sense of serenity and belonging, which promotes mental health. According to research, those who spend more time outside are less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and emotional distress.

Practical Ways to become one with Nature

Being surrounded in nature does not require an extensive voyage into the outdoors. Here are some simple ways to bring nature’s healing influence into your daily routine.

  • Make time for outdoor activities every day: Aim to spend at least 30 minutes a day outside. Fresh air and natural surroundings are essential, whether you’re walking to work, taking a daily stroll in the park, or simply sitting on your balcony.
  • Gardening: Grow your own plants, herbs, veggies, and flowers. Gardening can help immerse you in the natural cycles of life while also providing a sense of accomplishment and peace.
  • Forest walks: Find a nearby forested area, stroll slowly and mindfully. Inhale deeply, fill your lungs with fresh clean air, exhale and evaluate your surroundings, this helps you stay in the present moment.
  • Walk barefoot: Consider walking barefoot on grass, sand, or dirt. This is a basic grounding technique that helps to reduce stress and increase physical vigour.
  • Bring nature inside your home: To live in nature, buy houseplants, open windows for fresh air, and use essential oils with aromas such as lavender, cedarwood, or pine.
  • Technology break: Schedule daily time to detach from devices and focus on nature. This allows your mind to refresh, re-establish balance and clarity of mind.

The importance of a holistic approach

Connecting with nature is about adopting an integrated approach to wellness. Natural health includes physical activity, nutritious diet, mental health, and spiritual well-being. 

We can live a more balanced and fulfilled life by following nature’s rhythms, valuing sustainability, mindfulness, and well-being over following fads or artificial answers. 

Sleeping in natural self-healing environments; Rowland Organic Earthing Bed Sheets, provide your body with many hours of uninterrupted grounding at a time when we’re naturally healing and regenerating, will greatly benefit your life.

According to a report in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health: “It is an established, though not widely appreciated fact that the Earth’s surface possesses a limitless and continuously renewed supply of free or mobile electrons. The Earth’s negative charge can create a stable internal bio-electrical environment for the normal functioning of all body systems which may be important for setting the biological clock, regulating circadian rhythms, and balancing cortisol levels.”

In the same way as disconnecting a plug from an electrical socket, discharging positive electrons using the Earth’s limitless supply of negatively charged electrons, neutralise free radicals in the body, restoring balance, this helps to keep the body at zero volts, which correspond to the Earth’s natural electrical charge.

A Return to Wholeness

Reconnecting with nature is an important step towards holistic healing. Spending time outside, whether through physical activities such as hiking or simply sitting in a park, has numerous mental, physical, and emotional health advantages.

Nature is not just a healing force, but also a profound reminder of our interconnectedness to our world. Embrace its knowledge and give yourself time to immerse yourself in its beauty, and you will soon feel the restorative effects of reconnecting with the earth, leading to a more balanced, healthy, and satisfying life.