During my life, there’s been times when I’ve knocked physical fitness out of the ballpark. Everything was running on all cylinders, including my commitment to ensuring the pounds dropped right off. Then there’s all the other years. The ones where I was too exhausted from running after children to take one more step for self-care, or the times I worked long hours leaving little time for personal growth. We’ve all been there, I know.
But one thing that has been constant in my life is the healing benefits, both physical and mental, of being outdoors in nature. My friends always chuckle when they hike with me, but I swear I can feel my blood pressure go down when I take my first big sniff of trees. I almost hyperventilate trying to take so many big breaths when I step into the woods. The fresh air goes in and the stress flows right out. My mind and body instinctively know I need this nature time, but research also confirms it.
Did you know
• Spending just 20 minutes outside can give your brain an energy boost comparable to a cup of coffee.
• Exposure to nature contributes to physical well-being, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension and the production of stress hormones.
• Taking a nature walk may increase attention spans and creative problem-solving skills by as much as 50 percent.
I also love that being out nature is for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you are young or old, in the best shape of your life or still moving slow, super stressed or calm as can be … nature has something for you. Did I also mention it’s free? Can I get a woot, woot?
We are blessed in this community with so many great trails to get moving. Runge Nature Center is one of my favorite places to hike, plus the wildlife watching is fantastic. If you are wanting to escape into the woods a little further, might I suggest Three Creeks Conservation Area or Rock Bridge State Park. Both of these outdoor areas are right next to each other, between Ashland and Columbia, and a great place to be out in nature sniffing trees and skipping rocks. While these are all great solo hiking spots, they are also wonderful adventures for children of all ages.
The Missouri Department of Conservation also has a new free app, MO Outdoors, where you can find hiking trails or wildlife watching spots near you. It provides driving directions to the area and then trail maps when you arrive. The free app can be downloaded through Google Play or the App store. You can also save your favorite trail in the app as a reminder of how great nature is for you.
I look forward to seeing you on the trail this spring! I’ll be the one sniffing all the trees.
Heather Feeler lives in Jefferson City and enjoys spending time in nature with her two boys. She also has the awesome job of helping people discover nature with the Missouri Department of Conservation.