How do you manage your stress?
We know a lot about the impact of chronic stress on our minds and bodies (thank you science!).
And there are many apps to help us cope: InsightTimer, Calm and Headspace are a few good ones.
How can we channel this knowledge and support into our busy lives?
We often can’t really avoid stressful circumstances…
Think peri/menopause, empty-nesting, divorce, retirement and the like.
But we can change our response.
One successful solution is to notice everyday things and take pleasure in them.
Shinrin-yoku is a “forest bathing” technique that many are familiar with.
It’s not running on a path in the forest.
It’s slowing down to just be—just exist—in nature.
I love to do this on my daily neighborhood walks, what I call my urban nature walks.
I notice flowers, plants, trees, birds, bees, cats, dogs, people…and occasional moles, raccoons, rats and coyotes.
I often get a really good laugh when something humorous pops up.
Like this 30 second video of skeletons riding flamingos!
I actually doubled-back to walk by a second time, and now I look for this on my walk each day.
It’s only June, not October, but I imagine the scenery will be adjusted for Halloween.
I hope you get a good belly laugh in your day today!
Update from today’s walk: I may need to rename this post “The Great Flamingo Rodeo!” 😂
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Susan J. Baumgaertel, MD is an internal medicine physician who provides telemedicine medical consultation and advocacy for patients in WA state, and professional career pivot navigation support for physicians in the US. Find her at myMDadvocate.
Her book, The Menopause Menu, is an all-in-one giftbook, medical guide and recipe book for navigating menopause.