God's Splendor
Spending time in nature has been shown to increase our mood, decrease stress, and increase energy levels. Meta-analysis of research has found association between spending time outdoors with lower risks for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, preterm birth, stress, and high blood pressure.
So just get outdoors! You do not have to commit to a marathon or major hike. Twenty easy ways to spend more time in the great outdoors per realsimple.com.
-
Have your coffee on your porch
-
Park further away from your office
-
Get a dog, or dog sit for a neighbor, at a shelter.
-
BBQ
-
Exercise in your yard
-
Work outdoors, walk on your breaks, take your calls while going for a walk
-
Take your lunch outdoors.
-
Meditate in the park
-
Give yourself a mani/pedi near open window, let your nails dry on the porch
-
Your next date, make it a stroll
-
Buy a toy you can use outdoors, (jump rope, trampoline, skates)
-
Talk on phone while walking, catch up on family and friends.
-
Shop at farmers' markets
-
Park at distant spot in parking lots
-
Read in the park
-
Listen to podcasts
-
Do your stretches
-
Run errands, walk to local post office/bank
-
Local outdoor fun activities outdoor concerts/movies
-
Start a garden
Others: watch a sunrise or sunset, whichever goes with your natural circadian rhythm, make snow angels (brrr), go fishing, rake those leaves . . . .
Options are limitless, just enjoy the splendor of God's creation.
Psalm 145: 5 NIV They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty —
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
Psalm 111: 3-10 NIV Glorious and majestic are his deeds,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and compassionate.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
giving them the lands of other nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
They are established for ever and ever,
enacted in faithfulness and uprightness.
He provided redemption for his people;
he ordained his covenant forever—
holy and awesome is his name.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise.
Psalm 50: 2 From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth
1 Corinthians 15: 41 The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor.