Connect with Nature for Wellness

Modern studies reveal that nature heals through stress reduction. On many of my #TakeaDayNow adventures, I have been exploring my connection to nature – studying how it makes me feel and if it reduces my osteoarthritis pain in a measurable way. One such adventure happened at Biltmore Estate where I decided to do a mountainside Off-Road Segway Tour in order to see nature from a new angle.

With visions of my imminent death from falling off the side of a mountain, I took a segway class (see below), then jumped into the fun of roaming over hill and dale with the guide. My cohorts were very conservative and moving rather cautiously. Not me — I zoomed next to the guide, swerving and racing up and down mountains! The wind whipped over my face, the views of mountains and prairie were beautiful, and it was super fun. Obviously, there are no mountainside photos in this blog post because I was holding on for dear life at the time, but see the shots of the French Broad River and Lagoon below when we stopped for a break. It was invigorating and a breath of amazing fresh air to be outside in nature in a unique way. Adventures in nature are important.

How Exposure to Nature Helps Us –

• Reduces blood pressure
• Increases cognitive thinking
• Reduces stress and anxiety levels
• Depression relief
• Improved pain tolerance

Walking in nature is probably the preferred method for connecting for wellness, however, gardening and other outdoor activities like the segway tour are great ways to feel better. Try touching nature every day to see how it affects your pain levels and overall health.