There is evidence that spending time in nature has a positive impact on the brain and behavior. It can be a reflective time, enhancing many areas of our lives.

Despite this, more people spend an increasing amount of time indoors and online. Any effort to reverse this trend can lead to happier, healthier and more fulfilled lives.

Benefits to spending time in nature:

• Decreased stress

• Increased happiness

• Decreased negative ruminating

• Attention fatigue relief

• Increased creativity

• Increased tendencies toward kindness and generosity

• Increased feelings of being alive

Practice mindfulness on a nature hike. Time in nature has physical and mental benefits. Try this “exercise” during your next walk to tune into the environment:

1. Take slow deep breaths through the nose (stomach should expand farther than chest), then slowly exhale through the mouth, releasing all air.

2. Stand still for a moment before starting. Close your eyes. Focus on subtle movements the body requires to maintain balance. Let this represent the balance you’re seeking by escaping to nature.

3. Begin walking. Be aware of your feet contacting the ground. Tune into the sound of your strides, the rustling of leaves or gravel below. Synchronize breaths with steps, inhaling and exhaling in time with the same foot.

4. Become aware of everything around you: the wildlife; the plant life; the weather.

5. Pay attention to sights and sounds. Focus on normally missed details.

6. Take in the grandeur of a tree, then zero in on a single leaf. Thank God for it!

7. Examine a flower, its beauty and vibrant colors.

8. Notice what’s going on underfoot as you walk. Does it crunch, is it uneven?

9. Touch the earth or bark of a tree, feel it’s texture.

10. See birds and butterflies. Revel in the miracle of flight.

11. Notice the sky, the clouds. Isn’t God’s creation amazing?

12. Continue scanning the surroundings. Enjoy the landscape from afar and up close.

As with life, it’s all about perspective and what you bring to it. A nature walk can be an exercise session or an awe-inspiring transformative experience.  It should remind you that you are part of God’s creation and that you are created in His image.