I’m sure some of you are reading this post after getting off a long day at work. You are stressed, tired, and willing to read a write up on on how a birds feathers control how it flies just to push off whatever remaining chores you have left today. Well, I’m no doctor- but I think I’m allowed to prescribe one medicine. Nature. In this age of hustle and bustle, the era of instant everything, it’s important to take a step back and relax once in a while. I suggest you take a step back and reconnect with nature. Tap into your inner caveman.
It’s easy. You don’t have to climb mount Everest or sail the Pacific Ocean. Just lace up a pair of shoes and head out to your local park to sit on a bench and let the world drift by. Better yet, find a state park in your area and take a hike through the woods. Listen to the birds chirping, the leaves rustling in the trees, and feel the soft ground under your feet as you breathe the invigorating fresh air.
It’s cheap. Sure, you can go check out your local outdoor gear retailer and find gadgets and gizmos for the people who do climb Everest or sail the Pacific, but it’s all so expensive. The choices are overwhelming, and you’ll find solutions to problems you didn’t even know existed in the backcountry. But the truth of the matter is, you don’t need this stuff. All you need is the will to get going and a pair of shoes to get you there. If you decide the outdoors are to die for, then join the club and indulge in some fancy new gear. But you don’t need the most ventilated light weight rain jacket or that new backpack that all the gear websites are raving about just to get out a few evenings and enjoy nature.
It’s worth it. As I mentioned before, everyone seems to be stressed out these days. It’s seems the “get it done instantly” mentality has really take off with this new era of technology and communication, but that’s not to say it comes easy. A number of studies have been published linking higher depression and anxiety rates to the technology of today. So I encourage you to take the next weekend, or you’re next free night, and go check out this beautiful world we are living in. Step out of the loud noisy city, let go of all your worries, and relax. I and so many others have already discovered the healing powers of nature, and I encourage you to as well.
-The Urban Outdoorsman
Follow on Twitter
Hey very interesting blog!