Go outside and touch grass

Hi there!

Allergy season, am I right?! I honestly could write an entire newsletter about allergies but I won’t. I do want to focus on the thing that’s causing us these awful symptoms though! Nature? YES!

Sorry I know that was a weird intro to this week’s edition of Cloud Nine, but one of the big reasons we moved to Oregon is to have easy access to nature. Being here is Bend, OR has already had a huge impact on my happiness to the point where others have even told me I seem happier day to day which is incredible feedback to hear.

With Boomer’s company, I have been able to further explore my love for nature over the years and how much healing it offers so today’s newsletter will highlight what I consider the ‘magic of nature’.

With how busy all of our lives are, it’s so easy to get sucked in and disconnect from nature (especially true living in big cities). But from research, and my own personal experience, spending time outdoors can have profound effects on our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The healing power of nature is not merely anecdotal; it's backed by scientific evidence. I already feel like since moving to Bend, my anxiety is lower and I’m finding that my stress levels are under control as well which helps me tap into finding even more health and happiness and it’s no secret that it’s because we are so immersed in nature here!

Nature has a remarkable ability to help calm our mind and provide a sense of peace. No, you don’t need to hike 5+ miles to feel the impact, it can come from a leisurely stroll through a forest or simply hanging out in a park - spending time in natural environments can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Studies have shown that exposure to green spaces can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, while increasing serotonin levels, which is linked to improved mood and happiness. The sights (like sunsets), sounds (like ocean waves or a breeze), and smells (like all the flowers) of nature have a restorative effect on our mental health.

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Being outside also gives us an opportunity to unplug and be more mindful. Being out in nature always makes me appreciate it with all my senses and this is essentially my way of meditating. In that moment, my worries fade away as I can focus on the warmth of the sun on my skin, inhaling the scent of the trees or watching waves crashing with Boomer by my side. In a world dominated by distractions and constant stimulation, nature provides a space where we can reconnect with ourselves and find inner stillness.

Beyond its mental and emotional benefits, spending time outdoors also has tangible effects on our physical health. From walking, hiking, cycling, swimming or whatever your favorite way to be outside is, I find that physical activity is so much more enjoyable while being outdoors. There’s so much more variety, even just walks in different neighborhoods can provide even more motivation to stay committed to a healthy lifestyle.

You’ve heard me talk about this before, but morning sun exposure (and evening light too) is crucial for regulating our circadian rhythm and sleep-wake cycle. Spending time outdoors during the day, especially in the morning, helps synchronize our internal clock with the natural light-dark cycle, leading to better sleep quality and overall well-being. When we are often in front of screens emitting artificial blue light, prioritizing outdoor time becomes increasingly important for maintaining healthy sleep patterns.

Not just individual benefits, but nature can help our relationships and build social connections as well. Being out in nature is something we as a family LOVE to do and it’s also a way we usually spend time with our friends. From camping trips to hikes and hopefully soon, floating down the Deschutes river in Bend. I find it so much easier to connect with people when we are enjoying an activity together outside!

Being out in nature always makes me feel so in awe of the beauty of it, and makes me realize how I am such a small little blip of a firefly light in the vastness of the universe. It makes me realize how something that might be bothering me is so small and inconsequential in making me feel humbled in my perspective.

The magic of nature is truly undeniable. Through its ability to reduce stress, promote mindfulness, encourage physical activity, improve sleep, and foster social connections, spending time outdoors offers a holistic approach to our wellbeing. So today, I urge you to take a little time to step outside and be present, touch some grass, take yourself on a picnic or watch the sunset from your room so add a little bit of this magic into your week ahead!

Please fill out this form below if you are interested to attend. This will be on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVE basis and event attendance will be capped.

One easy/healthy recipe to try : 

This chicken recipe was SO GOOD (I made it with chicken breast)

One positive affirmation to remember : 

The sun on my face warms me and gives me strength

One thing I am actually obsessed with :

I didn’t understand the hype of an OONI pizza oven till we got one. I LOVE that it’s compact and light enough to bring out with us - I cannot wait to have a picnic with this and make fresh pizzas! Here is the list of everything you need to make a bomb pizza (minus the actual food ingredients)

I hope you have a week ahead filled with outdoor time in nature. If you have any thoughts to share, please send them over as a reply to this email or in the poll below. Together, I know we can find more health and happiness!

With fluffy hugs, 

Charishma + Boomer (@life.with.a.landcloud)