Sitting on an empty beach. Laying in the grass doing nothing. Taking in a breathtaking view from the top of a mountain.Yea, right. Who has time for that?!

You are living a busy life locked away in an office far away from nature. Your yearly vacation can’t come fast enough. Right now you are stressed. You are spinning on a hamster wheel, living in survival mode powered by large cups of coffee. You want to recharge, relax, and experience peace…just for a little bit.

Did you know that you can get closer to nature and recharge your body without traveling far or taking too much time off of your busy schedule?

Let’s examine how nature can help your health and well-being, then learn 5 powerful strategies to effortlessly become closer to nature in your own home and neighborhood.

photo-1474452926969-af7bfdb9ca39

Powerful Benefits of Being in Nature

Being close to nature seems like a no-brainer. It’s been long associated with being healthy, stress-free, mindful and meditative. The scientific community has recently become interested in the power of nature and has discovered many benefits of being close to our natural environment.

Spending time in nature and being close to things that come from nature, including indoor plants, herbs, crystals, and stones can:

  • Promote vitality

Sounds amazing, right?!

Sure it is. But what if you live in a crowded city? Even a medium-sized town or a modern suburb has more buildings than trees. What if you work in an office under artificial lights? What if you are simply too busy to drive to a state park for a nice hike, or to get involved with a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) or urban farm, or to take off to a meditation retreat in some remote, picturesque area?

Don’t worry! There are some fantastic, proven ways you can get closer to nature and experience the benefits without sacrificing your busy professional and personal life.

photo-1495908333425-29a1e0918c5f

5 Proven Strategies to Feel Closer to Nature Effortlessly

Get Outdoors

Going outside is obviously the easiest way to get closer to nature. Take a stroll in a local park. Sit down in the grass resting your back on a tree for lunch or to read a book. Put your electronics away, simply enjoy a short time to unplug. Exercise outside whenever weather permits. Go for a bike ride or a run on the trails. Try earthing (standing or walking barefoot) to tap into the electrons on the surface of the Earth. Hug a tree for 20 seconds at least to feel the connection. Be mindful by examining trees, smelling flowers, and watching squirrels play. Smell the fresh air after a rainfall in the spring. Stargaze on beautiful summer nights. Collect colorful leaves in the fall. Make a snow angel in the winter.

Open the Windows

When your windows are closed, the air becomes stale and unventilated. This can lead to mold, indoor pollutants, and allergens that can negatively affect your quality of sleep, concentration, focus, and general well-being. Open the windows periodically to clear the indoor air – yes, even in the winter! Just 10 – 15 minutes can do wonders. Enjoy the fresh air by inhaling deeply to cleanse your lungs and destress your mind. When sunny, look outside of your window to tap into the vitamin D from the sun. Enjoy the outdoor scenery and listen to the birds chirping and flying by.

Grow Plants

You don’t even need a garden to grow plants: you can do it right inside your house, apartment, or even your office. Houseplants are not only a colorful addition to your living space but can filter out volatile organic compounds in the air enhancing your health. Cacti and Aloe vera are easy to grow, sun-loving, and simple to maintain. They can clean your air and help with cuts and burns naturally. Bamboo plants, philodendrons, spider plants, Chinese evergreen, red-edged dracaena, English ivy, snake plant, jade, air plants and rubber plants are just a few examples of beautiful and forgiving houseplants for filtering your indoor air and elevating your mood. If you are looking for flowering plants, kalanchoe, bromeliads, begonias, orchids, peace lilies and Christmas cacti are excellent choices. Don’t forget that you can also grow edible plants, like spices, herbs, strawberries, mini tomatoes and even lettuce indoors.

Make Herbal Tea

Imagine holding a warm cup of tea on a cold winter day. Just the smell itself is wonderful. You can feel relaxed and grounded instantly, not to mention all the health benefits all the herbs can provide. Finding a delicious variety of herbal teas is easy at grocery stores or ethinc supermarkets, and online. If you are inspired, you can also grow your own! Growing herbs like mint, basil, lavender, chamomile are simple. The plant can improve the air quality in your house and uplift your spirit. You can use them fresh, but you may want to dry some out and store them in mason jars. You can also use spices and superfoods, like turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon to make equally powerful teas and enjoy the benefits of nature in a calming cup.

Enjoy the Power of Crystals

Crystals are so much more than beautiful rocks to enjoy as decoration. They are abundant in energetic qualities that can support your well-being. Crystals have been used as amulets and talismans for health protections throughout history. More recently they’ve become popular among alternative health practitioners, energy healers, and spiritual healers. Vogel crystals are pure, natural rock crystals that are polished in a specific way. They can regulate energy flow and balance in your body to help you recharge and regenerate. Crystal beds combine the natural healing powers of crystals with modern technology to benefit your body, mind, and soul through an intensive crystal therapy. Crystal beds also stimulate your meridian and reflex zones to balance your chakras and create well-being. Laying under a crystal bed regularly, you can enjoy the natural benefits of crystals without taking a trip or even leaving your home.

Using these five powerful strategies, you can get closer to nature and feel more relaxed, balanced, centered, positive, calmer, and happier.

What are your strategies to get closer to nature? How will you connect with nature today? Share your experiences below. We would love to hear your stories and answer any questions you may have.

Originally published at www.chacrys.com