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One Friday I learned about natural stress relief!

It was a Friday morning when I learned this lesson about natural stress relief. It was a great Friday morning.

Actually, I didn't even know I was stressed as the day began. I only came to realize how much tension I was holding in after I had learned the lesson. I felt so much more calm and relaxed afterward that my earlier stressful state was obvious.

On that particular morning, I didn't have any appointments scheduled. The weather was mild - not too hot and not too cold.

I decided not to do what I usually do on mornings when no appointments are scheduled. Usually I spend that time doing business related paperwork, writing an article, reading and responding to emails, doing some needed household chores, etc.

It seems there is always something that needs to be attended to. The same was true for that Friday morning as well; however, I decided to ignore all of that and just chill.

I was not really thinking about natural stress relief.

It was just so pretty outside that I didn't want to stay indoors. So I decided to sit on my back patio, listen to the birds singing, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.

It was refreshing. Afterwards I felt rejuvenated.

This whole experience drove home a lesson I had started learning a few weeks earlier. I was using the Balanced Lifestyle Matrix to work on my lifestyle design. While doing so, I realized how important the beauty of nature is to me. I need to spend time outdoors to feel relaxed and recharged.

For me, being outside on a pretty day is one of the best natural stress relief activities.

Usually I don't want to do anything in particular while outdoors. I'm not really into outdoor hobbies such as hunting, fishing, hiking, gardening, and so on. Those activities are great; they are just not my thing.

It wasn't always that way. When my kids were younger and still living with my wife and me, we did a lot of camping and hiking. We were active with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

As they grew-up and as I got older, my interests changed. Now I just want to sit still and soak-in the beauty of God's creation. If I do anything, it is read or talk with a friend, family member, or Becky, my wife. Mostly, I just want to be outdoors.

I find that being outdoors when the weather is nice helps me become centered. My mind clears and I gain calmness and clarity.

Here is a great video that makes the point well. It is only a minute and a half long so click here and enjoy. Then, reflect on the following questions...

• Would you rather participate in indoor or outdoor activities?
• If you find being outside a way you can experience natural stress relief, what do you like to do while enjoying the outdoors?
• Do you need to work into your schedule time to be outdoors in God's world?
  
• If so, when do you plan to do it?
• What will you do while you are outdoors?
  

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