Nature is Self-Care

"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." – Albert Einstein

There is much that can be learned from nature, both for our health and wellbeing, as well as for how we engage in advocacy efforts.

I admittedly have always been a bit of an “indoor girl.” I loathe the cold and while I enjoy summer heat, I do not enjoy how much the mosquitoes snack on me.

Dr. Amy after being surprised with a national award for federal advocacy.

However, even despite my hesitations, I cannot deny that there is just something about the great outdoors that is restorative and healing.  In fact, there is so much benefit to getting outside and into nature that there is now something called a nature prescription.  A nature prescription is essentially as it sounds, a healthcare provider-recommended increase in outdoor time to address chronic health issues and increasing screen-based and sedentary lifestyles.

One of the incredible gifts of nature is that it provides enhanced perspective.  It can be so easy to focus on your challenges, such as challenging workplace environments, lack of support for advocacy initiatives, or what is happening in our profession or government.  This can cause you to magnify the challenges and lose the larger perspective.  Even worse, this might cause you to give up.  However, spending time in nature is a reminder that the world is so much larger than a specific issue.  It also is a reminder of the persistence and resilience of nature–the same persistence and resilience that is necessary as an advocate.

To test it out for yourself, get outside if you are able.  Even a few minutes can make a difference. Consider enjoying a meal, like a lunch break, outside.  Or perhaps moving your exercise of choice outside if that is accessible to you.  If your only access to nature is indirect, even just viewing images of nature or green spaces can have overlapping positive benefits.

Remember, prioritizing yourself is a revolutionary act, and small steps can have a profound impact. Let’s commit to thriving unapologetically—individually and together. Stay tuned for more tips and inspiration in the months ahead!

In solidarity,

Dr. Amy

This is part of Dr. Amy's Self Care Is Political Warfare series. Read the entire series here!