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Groups > Healthy Living Network > Discussions > Topic: 3 everyday ways to connect to nature
Topic: 3 everyday ways to connect to nature

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Annie B.	3 everyday ways to connect to nature April 20, 2005 7:13 AM Three Everyday Ways to Connect to Nature – Add Yours! It seems to me that most people are incredibly busy, confined almost every moment to the indoors at school and work, and on weekends so burdened with shopping and chores that like-it-or-not (and I don’t) we are becoming more and more disconnected from the natural world. We simply can’t get outdoors enough! And the problem is different for different age groups. For example, my eighty-year-old mother is very arthritic and as much as she loves the outdoors she hardly ever gets outside and receives almost no outdoor light. I really yearn to be outdoors more, especially now that it is spring. How about the rest of you? Here is a start. We offer three everyday ways for kids, teens, adults, and elders to connect more to nature. Please chime in to add your suggestions (the link is below)! We all need inspiration on this one, as parents (teenagers, anyone?), for ourselves, to help those are aging: Kids 1. Do an outdoor activity outdoors that requires that they get dirty (such as playing in the mud) 2. Take wildlife-watching walks 3. Take a trip to a working farm Teens 1. Play outdoor sports 2. Outdoor seasonal projects (raking, gardening, filling the bird feeders) 3. One meal a week, ask them to make the food choices and talk with them about the production (organic versus conventional, etc.) of the foods they pick Adults 1. Go camping 2. Spend time outdoors gardening, whatever suits 3. Connect to your local farms or farmers’ markets Elders 1. Walk 2. Sit in a park or outside bench 3. Invest in some binoculars to watch birds [ send green star]
Diane F.	another everyday way to connect to nature April 20, 2005 12:31 PM When any of my family is sick but really misses going out (especially in the winter months, when the day-time temps hover around -40C!), one of the ways we address that yearning is by wearing something that has been dried on a clothesline, or by going to sleep on sheets that have been dried outside. We think you absolutely cannot beat that wonderful fresh-air smell! And on nights when it is too cold to sleep with the windows open all night, my children & I will hang our night clothes on the line for a few minutes, then rush to put them on while they are still crispy-cold & fresh smelling. I started doing that as a teenager and am still doing 30 years later! [ send green star] [ accepted]
Lorraine B.	3 everyday ways to connect to nature April 20, 2005 12:34 PM I do it for a living. As i am a laundry assistant in a nursing home. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Judi F.	Gardening April 20, 2005 1:06 PM A nice way to get a few rays is to pop outside for 15 minutes and pull weeds, deadhead flowers, prune, or plant some seeds - it's amazing how much you can do in that time, yet it doesn't seem like it's long enough to do anything. Take time too to look closely at the flowers - admire their colors, smell their perfume, and watch the pollinators in action! A whole world of mystery, romance, danger, and intrigue is going on right under our noses. Hugs, Judi [ send green star] [ accepted]
Annie B.	fresh air! April 20, 2005 1:06 PM oh my gosh, diane... i love the idea that you and your family love the smell of fresh air so much you go to such lengths to cocooon yourselves in it! my mother is from the same gene bank, i am sure... [ send green star]
Barbara C.	Take your chores outside April 20, 2005 1:40 PM Rethink some of the chores you usually do indoors sitting down, like mending, snapping beans, shucking corn, whatever you can easily take outside with you. Take the work to a chair outside in the yard or on your deck or patio. It may encourage you to do things you have been putting off -- for me that would be mending, which would be much nicer outdoors. For a student it could be studying. Women could do beauty treatments such as manicures, letting facials set, drying hair in the sun. Some crafts, such as knitting or other needlework, could be done outdoors and on a bright day it might be easier to see your work. If you have small children or an older relative, you could set them up near you, maybe on an old blanket. For the very young or old, be sure they can be comfortable because they may have trouble with controlling their body temperature and might need a shawl or sweater, or maybe a blanket for their knees. If you have indoor cats, they would love it if you could arrange a safe enclosure for them while you are outdoors. Do I ever wish I weren't stuck in my office at my desk. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Misty M.	connect with nature April 20, 2005 1:41 PM for teenagers a good way to connect is by talking on the phone outside. for children simply collecting bits of nature from the yard and creating a collage is a good way... and for adults...take your kids to the park! [ send green star] [ accepted]
Michael H.	great stuff April 20, 2005 1:58 PM my way is a little more prosaic maybe - i tell myself i HAVE to have current pix of the house if i really expect to sell it, and that gets me outside or looking at what's outside, at the best times of day for light. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Cathy B.	April 20, 2005 2:05 PM I don't work too far from the house and I ride my bicycle when rain isn't forecast. Sometimes I'll leave early and cruise the long way. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Marie L.	Some ideas for the elderly and shut ins. April 20, 2005 2:55 PM I do some volunteering with the elderly and shut ins. One way to brighten their days and bring some color and spring in is to place a small window box at a window that is easy for them to open. This makes it easy for them to access for watering or feeding if needed. I fill it with pansy's in the spring and summer. Mums in late summer and fall. And tell them they are rows of smiles to greet them each day. Also I hang a wind chime close by and put their favorite easy chair close by the window. In winter, artificial ones can be inserted. For the whole family, teens..kids..and adults, I suggest kite flying. It's a great family sport, lots of fresh air, sunshine, and excercise. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Sarah Jane H.	April 20, 2005 6:50 PM An easy way to connect with nature even in the winter months is to put up a bird feeder near a window. This allows for endless hours of entertainment. You can even do this when you live in an apartment or don't own your home. The start up cost doesn't have to be that much and the cost of seed can be quite inexpensive. This idea is especially good for when you can't be outside as much as you like for what ever reason. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Ariel S.	April 20, 2005 7:14 PM For someone like me who can't get out much I enjoy opening the windows and breathing the air, where I am the air quality is good. Any time of day, any season, I love smelling the air and looking out my window at the trees and sky, and when we have flowers here I love looking at them too, they really brighten my life, and bring such a sweet smell to the air when it's warm, it sends me into daydreams. When I can I sit outside or take a walk. Connecting with nature is very important to me, I also work with natural remedies too which helps strengthen my bond with nature. Annie I thank you again for all the things you share, I made some lip gloss using some of your ideas in "Better Basics," and it's helping my lips heal from many years of dryness, being bitten, pulled on and rubbed when I get nervous. Lately I've been meditating more and it's helping me too. Now my lips look great and I hardly recognize myself. I wish I could buy a bunch of those books and give them out as gifts. Thanks again for the time, knowledge, and wisdom you share with us! I've been reading your healthy living section for many years and have learned a lot from there too. Sincerely, Ariel [ send green star] [ accepted]
Megan L.	outside activities April 20, 2005 7:56 PM I must be related to those who love the smell of clothes and sheets on the line. I hang them on the line even in winter--they usually freeze before they dry completely, but that's okay. I bring them back inside and let them finish drying inside. While they are drying, they emit that wonderful outdoors smell. My suggestion for outside activities is similar to the window box one. I was thinking of tending a few potted plants outside. For those with limited mobility, they could have them close to the door, but still far enough away that they have to outside to tend them. If there are a few pots, it's still giving one a chance to get one's hands in the soil but wouldn't be as overwhelming as a big garden. I'm recovering from a broken leg, and for the seven weeks i couldn't bear weight on the broken leg, i found i really missed being outside. I opened the patio door, hung my head outside and inhaled deeply (this was over most of the winter so there was too much ice and snow for me to get out all that much). For folks of all ages, a fun activity can be lying on their backs and looking up at clouds. I also find that my cats like to be outside more now that the weather is warmer, and we'll often sit outside with them in the evening as the sun sets. Sometimes i'll pull a few weeds, other times i take a dead stalk from our ornamental grasses and drag it behind me. The cats love to play with that. If all of us are just sitting on the front porch watching the sunset (we have a wonderful view of it every night), we'll wave to everyone who drives or walks by. I'm now able to walk without crutches most of the time and i practice walking outside as well as in. The outside steps leading from our deck to the grass is a short three steps, so perfect for me to practice my step climbing. So much nicer to practice this outside rather than in the house. I play a fife (similar to a piccolo) and play that outside. Fortunately, the neighbours don't mind, and i get a chance to enjoy the outdoors. A neighbour of mine plays guitar, and he sometimes strums his guitar on his back step. It's nice to hear him play. megan [ send green star] [ accepted]
	Another way April 20, 2005 8:32 PM I like to hang clothes too, and like the idea of window boxes. Somehow, every one I ever had died on me! I read somewhere that opening your doors and windows AT LEAST 10 minutes a day is something we all need to do for good health. With houses being as sealed as they now are, with insulation, storm windows, et.; I think it's even more important now. There are 2 other things I plan to do as soon as I can. The easiest is to get light bulbs that are "natural" and give off the good rays of the sun. I've found them for about $25-$50 each on a crafter's site. Joanne's Fabric and Craft store sells them and they are on-line. The second thing I plan to do is have some "sun tunnels" put in. These are like miniature skylights. My sister-in-law has them in 2 of her rooms. They light the room just as if you were sitting in front of the window. You don't need any electricity during the day. In a year one would pay for itself! I don't know if you'd get the vitamin D from them like you do from the sun, but you get many of the other benefits. Caroline [ send green star] [ accepted]
Alexa S.	Fresh sounds April 21, 2005 5:52 AM This time of the year, I open all the windows and doors, leave off the radio and television and just listen to nature enjoying Spring. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Severine H.	3 everyday ways to connect to nature April 21, 2005 5:19 PM 1. Get up early and walk. Walk without headphones and hear the birds getting their early start of the day. Breathe in the fresh air before commuting cars pollute it. Fell renewed and refreshed. 2. At lunch, sit out side and enjoy a few minutes of sun, the breeze, trees rustling, insects flying or whatever is around you. Sit with observation and take it all in. 3. At the end of your end, water your plants and watch them grow. Notice new flowers, leaves, branches and life around them such as insects, butterflies, lizards, and birds. Watering them nurishes you at the end of the day and as well as your plants. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Jane D.	Eat outdoors April 21, 2005 7:51 PM One thing family members of all ages love is to grab a sack lunch or a plate and eat outdoors! Practically any meal can become a special one when eaten outside, whether on a blanket, at a picnic table on the deck, or on a screened-in porch. A meal eaten in the fresh air allows everyone to slow down and enjoy the breezes, the birds, and each other. We enjoy our back porch, where we can watch and listen to the birds while we eat dinner. I also try to take 10 minutes to sip my morning tea sitting on the front step when weather permits, enjoying the freshness of the morning, before dashing off into the day. When my 80 year old Mother was in the nursing home, and her appetite was failing, I'd wheel her wheelchair outside for impromptu picnics in the courtyard-- her appetite always seemed to perk up as she enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Barbara S.	Learn about Nature April 23, 2005 10:54 AM I wrote a book, The Dynamic Great Lakes, so that people might appreciate the greatest freshwater system in the world. "I've lived here all my life and I never appreciated the lakes until I read your book," said someone who read it. Learning, appreciating and then acting to correct things in our own neighborhoods is a good way to connect. We planted a flowering crab on Earth Day. Learning about the workings of nature is a pursuit those of any age may enjoy. Barbara Spring http://www.geocities.com/barbaraspring [ send green star] [ accepted]
Nikita S.	April 23, 2005 9:18 PM i like to walk my dog as an excuse to be outside. it's good for the dog,and its light excercise and fresh air in one. sometimes i make myself tea and just go outside and read. the only bad thing about this one is if its too sunny you might strain your eyes. and flowers in the house- potted or in a vase- always make me happy! [ send green star] [ accepted]
Susann D.	ahhhh, that fresh? air... April 24, 2005 12:52 AM I live downtown in NYC and clothes outside (ahhhh) are not an option unless you are really fond of pidgeon droppings. My building and rightly so does not allow window boxes. When one falls from the fifth floor and hits you, it is usually unpleasant. They are also considered dangerous to firemen (how true) but all is not lost in our less than fresh air. I say if you are up to it and you don't own one, take a dog for a walk. Most dog owners would love a break once in a while.Or better yet volunteer to walk at a local shelter. Take an older person for a walk or a wheel into the sun on a sunny day. Of course New York City is not so much a car town so you have to walk somewhere even if it's to find where you did park your car if you own one. I solved the whole problem years ago. I started a homecare animal nursing business so I am out in all weather whether I want to be or not. I may be tired but I sure am fit, I ignore my arthritis whether it likes it or not-lol! When I things are slow and I feel a need for air in the winter I just bundle up and breath from a wide open window. I lock the cats in the other room. They aren't trustworthy I have found around open windows. I always make the time to look at the view around me.There is always something to look at even if it's tourists.Give directions.Get involved with what ever your environment is. Go to a farmers market instead of the supermarket. Farmer's Markets smell wonderful. One half hour a day makes a world of difference and you can work up from there. Happy breathing! [ send green star] [ accepted]
Elizabeth L.	Blessed by Nature April 24, 2005 12:41 PM I am blessed to be able to live in Nature, and here are photos of my neighbors - check them out and also the other wildlife photo slide shows if you feel detached from Nature! Enjoy: http://homepage.mac.com/ipnews/PhotoAlbum52.html [ send green star] [ accepted]
Annie B.	wow- beautiful April 24, 2005 2:32 PM how blessed to live where you do, indeed... these photos are wonderful. --Annie [ send green star]
Jean G.	connect w/ nature April 24, 2005 7:02 PM Our library has a mile-long walking path,grass areas,pond,plenty of clean benches,picnic tables, trees / sun - popular for dogs/ their people of all ages.Borrow a book / read it outside. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Beverley M.	Sunlight April 28, 2005 4:40 PM On a sunny morning, I love to take my cup of tea outside to enjoy the songbirds and take in the lovely green color of sring. I also feed the birds, so I do at spend a few minutes filling the feeder, even when its cold out. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Barbara S.	Nature walks with kids April 29, 2005 7:07 AM I like to take children on nature walks. I have done this when I had a Brownie Girl Scout troup. One thing they enjoyed was an onion hike. I walked through the woods and rubbed an onion on trees. Then the girls had to sniff out the trail. While in the woods I pointed out names of trees, earth stars (a type of puff ball mushroom) birds etc. It is a way of getting kids to use their five senses. Kids as well as adults enjoy my educational website: http://www.geocities.com/barbaraspring Barbara Spring [ send green star] [ accepted]