Apr 7, 20222 min read

April Self-Care Journey - Week One & Two

April Self-Care Journey | Connect with Nature

Scientific studies have shown numerous health benefits from interacting with nature, including improving memory, decreased blood pressure and heart rate, and lowered levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Take a walk in the woods to banish fatigue. Linger among plants and trees in a woodland or meadow to ease anxiety and depression. Think of your self-care activities in the wild as nature therapy.

Week One - Connect With Nature

BODY Walk on the Wild Side

Take a jaunt into the woods to refresh, relax, and reenergize. Exercising in a natural environment increases your brain’s endorphins, the “feel-good” chemicals. The sun’s vitamin D helps ease depression. Let nature nourish you as she does all her kin.

MIND Summon Your Inner Gardener

To garden is to nurture. Precisely because caring for plants is a solitary activity, your mind moves from anxiety and worry to serenity. Let your mind wrap around the notion of how the growth of a tree might exemplify endurance, patience, stability, and groundedness.

SPIRIT Mediate Beneath a Tree

Trees have spiritual Significance in many traditions. The ash, hawthorn, and oak composed the Celt’s sacred trilogy. Buddha attained enlightenment beneath a bodhi tree. Sit under a tree. Sense its energy rising from taproot to canopy. Feel your spirit soar.

What are your self-care intentions this week?

Mind

Body

Spirit

This week, my self-care included:

Week One - Connect With Nature

BODY Plant an Herb Garden

Herbs have been an important part of medical practice since ancient times. The Ebers Papyrus of herbal knowledge dates to 1550 B.C. and contains roughly seven hundred magical formulas and medicinal folk remedies used by the ancient Egyptians. Practice self-care by planting herbs for healthy eating and wellness.

MIND Use Herbs to Boost Mental Tasks

Water Hyssop has been used in India for thousands of years to regenerate neural tissues and thwart brain aging. Traditional Chinese medicine credits ginkgo Biloba with enhancing concentration and memory. Parsley also boosts brainpower, Give herbs a role in your self-care.

SPIRIT Try Dry Herbs for Spiritual Protection

In some cultures, herbs such as garlic, fennel, and oregano are believed to protect against and deter dark forces. To tap into the spiritual protective properties of these herbs, dry them and insert them into a pouch to hang on your front door.