La Natura: Wellness through Nature

Physical wellness involves taking care of your body through nutritious food and optimal water intake (you should aim for a minimum of 2 litres daily), regular exercise, and adequate rest. It's about listening to your body’s signals and responding with kindness and care. There are so many options when it comes to movement, from low impact activities like walking, swimming, pilates, yoga, golf, darts, Tai Chi and gardening , to high impact like lifting weights, tennis, basketball, boxing, jumping rope, mountain climbing and so much more!

Equally as important, rest is crucial when our bodies need it, to reduce fatigue and susceptibility to illness. Proper rest also allows for muscle repair and energy replenishment. Make time for simple pleasures and "me time", such as taking a hot bath, listening to relaxing music, reading a book, painting or drawing, massage therapy and anything else that can help your body recover from stresses. 

Also, ensuring you get between 7-9 hours of quality sleep at night, allows your body to repair and regenerate at a cellular level, helping regulate hormones, support the immune system and cardiovascular health. To improve sleep, be sure to limit caffeine, alcohol and heavy meals before bed. Limit screen time, try some light stretching and deep breathing before bed and have a soothing herbal tea such as chamomile, lemon balm and lavender.

An integral part of the holistic approach to wellness, addresses the mind and spirit too. Emotional and mental wellness is about understanding your feelings and emotions and finding healthy ways to cope with stress. Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, practising gratitude, pursuing creative outlets and spending quality time with friends and family are incredibly important. The use of supportive herbs like ginger, ashgawanda, chamomile, lemon balm and lavender, can also help maintain emotional balance and clarity. 

Spiritual wellness is about finding meaning and purpose in life. It involves exploring beliefs and values and connecting with the world around you. It allows you to look at obstacles in life as part of the journey and provides comfort in knowing that the difficult times are part of our evolution. This sense of being present and connected with your purpose and the Universe, can be cultivated through practices like yoga, meditation, prayer, empathetic listening, volunteering and spending time in Nature.

Immersing yourself in a natural forest setting and mindfully experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells of the environment can foster a deep sense of connection and well-being. Practicing meditation outdoors, surrounded by natural elements, can enhance mindfulness and provide a deeper connection to the Earth.