Healthy Living: How Nature Can Benefit Your Life

Are you down in the dumps? Tired for no reason? Bored, sick with a cold, or simply not satisfied with life? Nature could be your personal wellness awakening. Listening to the birds sing and feeling the warm breeze against your skin is just about as therapeutic as you can get, if you ask me.

1. Bring animals into your life.
If you haven't already! Having a pet to care for, or even going to the local petting zoo or Humane Society can help you see the world as a much happier place. If you have friends with a farm or friendly pets, visit them often to see how animals have affected their lives! Animals are very therapeutic; this is why hospitals and nursing homes have pet visits or an animal to keep the residents company. Animals are able lift people's spirits. They're also a perfect way to increase your overall happiness on a day-to-day basis.

2. Buy a potted plant.
Or several! Plants help clean the air, and if your room is stuffy, a potted plant can give you fresher oxygen and more of it! Plants are also therapeutic to care for, and they're perfect for brightening up crowded dorm rooms or small apartments. Having nature around could make a serious difference in your emotional and/or physical wellbeing. Having more oxygen in your air can help you think more clearly, help your mind feel more at ease, and even ease body aches and pains!

3. Walk or jog on a nature trail.
And make it an everyday thing! You wouldn't believe how much better I felt today, just lying outside on the lawn. I go on walks at a local nature trail, and it benefits me so much more than you'd assume if you've never gotten truly in touch with nature. The combination of fresh air, aesthetic beauty, and a true sense of belonging can really help you get out of a funk or depression. My school is located right by a nature trail, so it's a great thing to do when stressing about exams, assignments, finances, or anything else. The combination of exercise, time to think or chat with a friend, and a peaceful breath of fresh air will lift your spirits and keep you healthy.

4. Cure wounds, infections, or serious symptoms with plants.
I'm not much of a healer, but I can say that I know a couple natural tricks to help infections or wounds heal a bit quicker. Plantain leaves are seen almost everywhere, they're very common along sidewalks or in your lawn, and since they're so high in vitamins A and C, they are able to help heal serious wounds! Your natural band-aide! Plantain leaves can also be made into tea that can help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, diabetes, kidney/bladder infections or problems, and even ulcers! The leaves can also be used on the body's exterior for bee stings, rashes, poison ivy, yeast, cuts, and bug bites.

5. Hit the beach for Vitamin C.
I can't emphasize this enough. Most public beaches are free to attend, and lying in the sun to catch some rays is as therapeutic as a spa day. Vitamin C is crucial to feeling well, so getting out and enjoying these beautiful - and limited - summer days could be just what you need to improve your life! Bring a few magazines, sunscreen, and sunglasses! And most importantly, have a good sunbath!