Energized the Way Nature Intended

"The world belongs to the energetic"
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Without energy, there is no life. We were born with energy, we are energy. We use our own energy constantly so it's important to take measures to refuel and recharge. Energy can be acquired and that's good because there's plenty in life that can drain your energy.

Energy is everywhere in nature - in sunlight, in the wind, in the forest, in the rainfall. Most of us are incredibly busy, confined almost every moment to the indoors at work, and on weekends so burdened with chores that we are becoming more and more disconnected from the natural world. Take note that you simply can't get outdoors enough!

How do you feel when you spend hours inside a cubicle in an office surrounded by fluorescent lighting, wall-to-wall carpeting and artificial paint? Dull, tired, tense and drained by day end? Have you ever worked in a room with no windows? Perhaps you felt groggy after only a short time in the room.

Have you ever spent time in an environment that invigorated your body and mind, calmed your nerves and inspired you to think clearly and creatively where you felt completely in the moment and like anything was possible? Chances are that you were in nature or a room filled with elements of nature.

Nature provides things we need, like fresh air and sunlight, but there's an energy within living things that we connect with when we're outdoors. Nature is abundant, giving and constantly growing and changing. Being in nature is therefore vital to your well-being. Just moving around in nature makes your body feel good and you actually get an endorphin rush. (The chemicals called endorphins, are a mixture of the two words endogenous, meaning from within the body, and morphine, a powerful pain fighting drug and work as the body's internal pain killer.)

Nature really has healing effects. Spending even a few minutes of quality time in nature each day can have a profound effect on both your psyche and your physical health.

• Spending time in nature helps you sleep better.
• Going outside when you feel a cold coming on seems to make cold symptoms vanish.
• You don't need to consume vitamin D if you get about 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight on your hands, face, and/or arms several times a week. (There is evidence that vitamin D helps inhibit the growth of some types of cancer cells and their spread.)

No wonder people don't seem to get sicker when they're outdoors, only better!
Spending time in nature also makes people feel more purposeful. When we connect with nature, we connect with our place in the universe. We are reminded of where we came from and where we return to. We realize that we're just one of many species and that we're connected to other forms of life. It refreshes our outlook on life and creates a higher sense of being and what really matters in life.

How can you spend more time in nature when your schedule is so busy? Make nature during the workday a priority.

1) Doing work like paperwork, reading, and laptop computer work outside can be extremely productive, especially if you're trying to stimulate creativity. Want to liven up your next meeting or training session? Move it outdoors. You'll be amazed when everyone comes back to the office energized and ready to get to work again! I've taken many meetings to the park and come back with exceptionally creative ideas to implement. Nature has no limits, so it's only "natural" that your ideas are more creative and free flowing!

2) Take a walk during your lunch hour no matter what the weather. Why do we wait for the weather to get better before going outside? All weather (except for extremes) can be enjoyable if you prepare. Bring rain gear or warm clothes if you have to. People seem to complain when it rains, but actually it's really beautiful. Our lives depend on rain. The other night I sat and watched and listened as it poured outside. I felt so refreshed after only a few minutes. Next time it rains, open the window so you can hear the rain. If you can't open the window, stand by it and watch the running water. I'm sure you'll soon notice birds dancing in the puddles as they bathe themselves. Bring on the rain! When you first step out of your door for your walk, pause for a minute and close your eyes. While your eyes are closed, allow your hearing and sense of smell to heighten and leave your workday behind. Open your eyes and remain still for a few more moments. Listen for birds singing nearby, breathe deeply and notice any scents of the season. As you walk, take note of nature at "work"!

3) If you can't get outside often enough during the day, try using full-spectrum light bulbs which mimic sunlight in the light fixtures in your home. You can buy them in many health food and home improvement stores. Full spectrum lights are the closest to real sunlight. You'll notice benefits like improved mood, enhanced mental awareness, concentration and productivity, superior visual clarity and color perception, better sleep at night, a super-charged immune system, more energy, reduced eye strain and fatigue and a greater learning ability. All that from a light bulb!

4) Real plants bring life to any work environment. Fill your office corners with plants and trees. The beauty of nature is that energy is either stored, transformed or transferred - but cannot be destroyed. This principle is illustrated in the life of plants. The light initiates a process of photosynthesis whereby green plants convert energy from the sun to transform carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Plants are our best air purifiers so place them close to equipment and machines where emissions can be absorbed. Most effective are indoor palms, English ivy, ficuses, peace lilies, and chrysanthemums. But certainly most leafy indoor plants are fine. It never ceases to amaze me when someone notices and comments on a plant about to bloom or when it has grown significantly. Plants awaken our spirit. Just as plants grow toward the light (notice your plants in the office leaning toward the light) we do as well. We can benefit greatly from having plants in our work space as a reminder of that.

5) Having a vase of fresh flowers is certainly healing and energizing. Be sure to have a vase of seasonal flowers at your entrance for all to see and admire. Everyone loves color and flowers are the best way to make your workplace more vibrant. Keep a small bouquet on or near your desk. The aroma and colors keep your right brain awakened and helps your creativity flow. You can't help but feel cheerful when you look at flowers. Want to surprise a client? Send them flowers just because you want to brighten their day. They will appreciate the thought for sure.

6) Windows are key for city dwellers and for people who are physically unable to get outside easily. Just being able to look at a tree outside your window for a few moments can make you feel better. Place a bird feeder outside your window for free entertainment.

7) Fill our office walls with photos of nature scenes. Looking at the photography will make you feel more connected to nature and it will build your energy. You'll be able to visit nature all day long.

8) Tune into Nature. Nature creates the most relaxing sounds. Play nature sounds accompanied to music during the day. Imagine you're working on the beach as the waves crash, or perhaps you're out in the woods with the birds during a rainstorm. Your mind will not get bored with that kind of background "noise". You'll feel invigorated all day long!

Take a tour of your work environment and note where you can add elements of nature. Try rearranging your plants for a change of scenery. Go out at lunch today and bring back some fresh flowers. Plan your next meeting outdoors. Find a buddy to walk with at lunch time. Have everyone share a nature story to open your next meeting. See how you can connect your workday with nature.

Appreciating nature and spending time outdoors is important, in fact it's vital. Without it you won't function as well, just the same as skipping a meal or exercise, or not getting enough sleep at night. There's always so much to do, and spending time in nature seems to be the activity we skip. Block time in your day to get outdoors, enjoy nature, or at least bring nature inside until you can! Enjoy the natural energy around you!

Nicole is widely acknowledged as a uniquely talented and energizing speaker and Success Coach who brings the art and science of Positive Thinking to innovative and animated life. In fact, some people say she's like a "Happy Fairy" because of her infectious positive attitude and her playful outlook on life. Nicole uses a variety of techniques and tools to deliver and teach necessary life-skills and business-skills to her varied clients all while entertaining them at the same time. Nicole is a passionate, certified professional who helps women have personal breakthroughs so they can enjoy more fun and excitement in their life by creating harmony in their health, wealth and relationships. Nicole created You Can Fly Coaching, LLC so she could help individuals, small groups, companies and corporate teams create personal and professional maps that lead to dreams come true. Nicole's clients kiss their fears good-bye and soar beyond current limitations. That's why they call her The "You Can Fly" Coach. Contact Nicole if you're ready to fly at (262) 436-0445 or nisler@youcanflycoaching.com

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