Get Outside and Thrive
This past weekend my husband Steve and I decided to get outside and went on a hiking trip out in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With so much access to negative news and social media these past couple months, we wanted a “device-free” weekend to reconnect with nature and remind ourselves of the great beauty and togetherness that still exists in our country. We hiked and biked during the day, and sat in quietness at night, our only source of entertainment being the fire and conversation. Crazy, right? I can’t express how refreshing it was to see people greeting strangers with smiles on their faces while passing by on the trails, families and friends enjoying each other’s company without materialistic entertainment, solo hikers content in their solitude. It doesn’t take evidence-based research to prove that nature is a healer and stress reliever, you can witness the positive effects by spending time outdoors yourself.
One thing that is awesome about nature is how accessible it is to everyone. Do some research and find where your nearest state parks or local trails are located. I highly recommend getting the Alltrails app because it not only shows where all the nature trails in your location are, but it also provides reviews and ability level. Some people avoid the outdoors because they don’t have experience or think they need to be an all-star hiker. Don’t let that be the reason! There are trails for every ability level out there. Another alternative is to look up scenic drives or locations that can allow you to set up a chair and enjoy the scenery as well.
Getting outdoors can also be very affordable getaway. National parks are free to military members and their families, and state parks usually only require a small fee per car to spend the day there. We also saved a ton of money on our trip this weekend by cooking all our breakfasts and dinners by fire and packing sandwiches and snacks with us when we hiked. We learned that you can put literally anything in tin foil and cook it on the fire and it tastes delicious.
With the first day of summer coming up (June 20th), I encourage you to reserve some time this summer to break away from the phone, tv, and internet, whether it be for a couple hours or an entire weekend, and appreciate the environment around you. You’ll be amazed at how refreshed you will feel, and perhaps you will discover a new appreciation for simplicity. I hope you find yourself witnessing the peacefulness of nature and the positivity of fellow humans who are also enjoying that same mountain view.
