We are all experiencing daily challenges but one thing that is guaranteed to make you feel better is sitting outside!
Studies show that our bodies respond positively to being outside. Sitting in the fresh air — even just for a moment between Zoom calls — can reduce blood pressure, relieve stress and strengthen your immune system.
One study found that even the view of nature through a window can lower stress and increase job satisfaction.
So with Earth Day coming up tomorrow, how can you step into leadership on a global scale by taking a few small steps to thank Mother Nature for supporting you during this time?
Action
Plant based meals: since we are all home and likely cooking more than usual - now is a great time to try out those plant based food recipes. Committing to one plant based dinner a week can help contain production of greenhouse gases that impact climate change. It can also help lessen the demand for precious environmental resources such as land, water, and energy.
Educate
As cities have shut down around the world, the world has seen coyotes on the streets of San Francisco, peacocks dancing in Mumbai, wild boar roaming in Barcelona, a resurgence of bees and rare wildflowers in the UK, other animals reclaiming human spaces and a report that suggests that within 30 years much of the ocean could be restored to full health.
This gives hope that with the right management, nature and wildlife can rebound within a generation. Every little bit helps.
Reading over Streaming
Reading is good for the mind, the soul and it turns out, the planet. When we are reading, we are not streaming, an activity which is carbon-intensive. You can download an e-book or dust off an old book you have lying around the house (I am so guilty of buying books and then not finishing them!). I am currently readingUntamed by Glennon Doyleand highly recommend it.
Community
Learn how you can take more action in your local community and be a part of a global conversation by joining the livestream celebration of Earth Day’s 50th anniversary as it goes digital for the first time ever.
This is a cause that is very dear to my heart since I am completely obsessed with nature and understand it’s vast benefits on our body, mind and soul. I was supposed to attendAl Gore’s Climate Reality Training, but it was cancelled due to COVID-19 but I know there is still action to be taken.
Thanks for listening!