For so many of us, stress interferes in almost every day of our lives. But it doesn’t have to! Part of why we’re stuck in a stress-loop is because of how many hours we spend indoors, scurrying to get tasks done, tasks we assign way more importance to than they deserve. 

Simply by getting outdoors and into nature--where we belong as humans--we can escape the stress that comes from a constricted indoor life. 

Here’s how to have an adventure in nature to clear your mind of stress:

• Find a space in nature where you feel safe and peaceful. What matters most is that you have some distance from the city (even if it’s just a tiny bit of space, even if you’re venturing as close by as a neighborhood park. The greener your spot, the better). 
   
• Feel free to bring a friend along for the journey, but you might want to experience this walkabout on our own to really clear your mind. 
   
• If you’re venturing farther out than you’re used to--maybe a complicated hike or even an out-of-town excursion--let people back home know where you’re headed. Even more important, research where you’re going so that you understand the territory. 
   
• Take a journal with you. Without the usual madness that goes on in your mind, ideas may pop up that you’ll want to remember. You may even be inspired to write a poem or a full journal entry on your experience. 
   
• Remember to bring snacks and water. Without food and water, your body will resort back to stress. When we get into a state of being Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired (HALT), our bodies will re-enter Fight or Flight mode, no matter how removed from daily stressors we are. On that note, make sure you are well rested, as to avoid the ‘tired’ component of HALT.
   
• No matter what natural environment you choose to explore, take the time to be extra mindful of the sights, smells, sounds, and touch that you experience. This will get you out of your relentless thoughts and into the calmness of your body as it relates to the natural world it was born into. 

Perhaps you’ve been telling yourself you’ll get out of the city and into nature for some time now, but never get around to it. Or, maybe this solution to stress has never even crossed your mind. Either way, the simple truth of the matter is that alleviating stress from your life is the most.