{"id":12010,"date":"2022-11-10T16:12:48","date_gmt":"2022-11-10T16:12:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/?p=12010"},"modified":"2022-11-10T21:39:08","modified_gmt":"2022-11-10T21:39:08","slug":"feeling-stressed-avoid-burnout-with-a-healthy-dose-of-nature","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/index.php\/en\/feeling-stressed-avoid-burnout-with-a-healthy-dose-of-nature\/","title":{"rendered":"Feeling Stressed? Avoid Burnout With a Healthy Dose of Nature"},"content":{"rendered":"

A 2021 Statistics Canada survey found that 25 per cent of Canadians are dealing with high levels of stress on nearly a daily basis.<\/h2>\n

Approximately half of Canadians believe their stress levels have increased since the pandemic. So what can we do? Quit our jobs and move to a remote island? That\u2019d be lovely. Lovely, but unrealistic for the vast majority of us. Hello, bills.<\/p>\n

According to the authors of Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, the key to dealing with stress is completing the stress cycle. When you\u2019re dealing with a \u201cthreat\u201d, which could be anything that\u2019s stressing you out from money problems to work issues, your mind and body shift. Now this can work to your advantage if you\u2019re needing to, say, outrun a cougar. Your heart beats extra fast, you get a surge of energy, you\u2019re incredibly alert. And when you need to get away from a cougar as quickly as possible, that stress response can really help you escape and get back to your friends and family to celebrate. You survived!! But\u2026when was the last time you were chased by a cougar? I\u2019m betting never (hopefully). According to authors Emily and Amelia Nagoski, completing the stress cycle and letting our bodies know that they\u2019re safe is critical if we want to master stress.<\/p>\n

So how do we close the loop? We\u2019ve got four options for you, thanks to Burnout, but we\u2019ve added ways you can boost these solutions by adding nature to the mix!<\/p>\n

OPTION #1: Get Your Body Moving<\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

The absolute best way to close the stress cycle is to move your body. Doing a little physical exercise (a short 20 minute workout will do!) lets your body know that it is safe. You can relax and let go of all that stress.<\/p>\n

Level Up<\/strong>: Take a Walk in the Woods<\/h4>\n

If you\u2019re really stressed, go for a longer walk in the woods<\/strong>. One study compared the cortisol levels in people after walking in a forest compared with those in an urban scene and found that those who walked among the trees had lower levels of stress hormones. It turns out as little as 40 minutes of walking in a forest will result in improved mood and feelings of vigor.<\/p>\n

And that goes for the kiddos too! Research shows that when kids play in nature they are less angry \u2013 they even have reduced symptoms of ADHD.<\/p>\n

OPTION #2: Take a Deep Breath<\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

Did you know that we take between 17,000 and 30,000 breaths a day? When you feel your heart racing and your palms sweating leading up to an important meeting, take a moment and take a breath. A nice deep breath (the kind that goes all the down to your belly) will actually bring those stress levels way down.<\/p>\n

Level Up: Take a Deep Breath Outside<\/h4>\n

While outdoor air pollution is a real thing (that we\u2019re hopefully turning around), for the most part, a deep breath in the great outdoors is going to be more rejuvenating than a deep breath indoors. Think about it. There\u2019s something so wonderful about taking a deep breath by the ocean or in the woods. Maybe it\u2019s all that oxygen! Whatever the magic is, go get some the next time you\u2019re feeling overwhelmed.<\/p>\n

OPTION #3: Hang Out With Your Funniest Friend<\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

Having a lovely chat with a dear friend will absolutely give you peace of mind that the world is a safe place and that you\u2019re safe in it. And you need that reassurance when you\u2019re stressed. While deep conversations have their time and place, when you\u2019re worried that your offer on the house of your dreams is going to fall through, you\u2019d benefit by sticking to light conversations. Bonus if they\u2019re funny as all heck! So get together with your most outrageously funny friend and get all the good vibes you need from some well-deserved belly laughs.<\/p>\n

Level Up: Go on a Walk Instead of Sitting at a Coffee Shop<\/h4>\n

Peppermint mochas can wait. Bundle up and ask your friend to go on a walk outside with you! Researchers have found that when you connect with nature you feel an overall sense of connectedness and you feel more in sync with people. And that makes people happy!<\/p>\n

OPTION #4: Create Something Meaningful<\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

Dealing with a terrible breakup? There are thousands of songs that you can listen to to help you work through your emotions. Better yet, creating art \u2013 whether it be song, dance, painting or more \u2013 often encourages us to feel what we need to feel. And if that turns into a sob fest, even better. Crying is the ultimate release.<\/p>\n

Level Up: Take Your Art Outdoors<\/h4>\n

One 2015 study found that the average adult can only stay on track for about eight seconds. Thanks, TikTok! With shorter and shorter attention spans, it\u2019s hard to stay in the creative zone for long. Scientists have found that spending time in nature can actually help you concentrate for longer periods of time. So go ahead and move your next creative session outdoors. Your body and your mind will thank you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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