Deep Breath
What Nature, Mindfulness, and a Slower Pace Can Do for You
Breathe easy
In a world full of pings, dings, and calendar reminders, the simple act of stepping outside can feel downright rebellious. When was the last time you did absolutely nothing for a full five minutes? Not scroll-through-your-phone nothing. Not stare-at-your-laptop-numb-nothing. We’re talking actual, intentional nothing. No plans, no screens, just you and whatever breeze happens to show up. If that feels like a distant memory – or a pipe dream – you’re not alone. Most of us are moving faster than ever, juggling work, life, and never-ending notifications. And it’s taking a toll.
The good news? There’s a simple, science-backed solution that doesn’t involve a new app, subscription, or a trip to the Himalayas. It’s just… going outside. Consider this your gentle, friendly nudge in the right direction.
Nature Is the Original Medicine
Turns out, your mom was right: “Go play outside” really is good for you. According to researchers from the University of Michigan, just 20 minutes in nature can significantly lower your cortisol levels—the stress hormone that fuels everything from anxiety to poor sleep. Spend a bit longer, say 2 hours a week, and the mental health benefits start to stack up. According to Dr. Frank Lipman, time spent in nature can improve your sleep, enhance creativity, and boost immune health by supporting your parasympathetic nervous system – the part of your body responsible for rest and digestion.
Some cultures have taken this to a whole new level. In Japan, it’s called shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing”—a gentle, mindful walk through the woods that encourages presence and deep relaxation. No bathing suit required. Just your senses, a forest, and a willingness to slow your roll.
The Art of Doing Less (and Enjoying It More)
That brings us to the next piece of the puzzle: slow living. This isn’t about laziness or doing nothing. It’s about doing less—but with more intention. Enter niksen, the Dutch practice of purposefully doing nothing. Unlike mindfulness, which encourages focused awareness, niksen invites you to let your mind wander without a specific goal. This deliberate idleness can reduce anxiety, spark creativity, and even boost productivity.
According to longevity experts and lifestyle researchers, slowing down your daily rhythm helps regulate your nervous system and encourages healthier decision-making. You’re more likely to cook a real meal, go for a walk, or finally hear the sound of birdsong that’s been playing in the background all along.
Incorporating slow living doesn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul. It might be as simple as sipping your morning coffee outdoors, journaling for ten minutes, or choosing a leisurely hike over a crowded gym session. The key is awareness and presence – two things that nature tends to deliver in spades.
So, Where Do You Start?
You don’t have to jet off to Bali or trek through Patagonia to get the benefits of slowing down and being in nature. Sometimes, all you need is a cozy spot, a bit of fresh air, and the freedom to unplug for a little while.
That’s where glamping (glamorous camping, if you’re new here) enters stage left. It gives you the peace and calm of the great outdoors, with enough comfort that you’re not lying awake at 2 a.m. wondering if raccoons have figured out zippers.
Camp Yellow Cardinal was designed with this exact balance in mind. Tucked into the quiet woods of Central Virginia, our domes let you breathe deeper, listen longer, and soak up the wild beauty around you – all while sleeping on a king-sized bed and enjoying your morning brew while the fog lifts through the trees. Whether you’re journaling by the fire or soaking in a quiet moment in the hot tub, you’re invited to do a little… or a lot of nothing.
Mindfulness That Doesn’t Require a Cushion or a Gong
One of the biggest misconceptions about mindfulness is that it requires a silent room, a floor cushion, and 45 minutes of uninterrupted time. (We can hear the parents out there laughing already.) But mindfulness is really about paying attention to the present moment without judgment. And guess what? You can practice that while roasting a marshmallow, walking a wooded trail, or sitting quietly as the stars pop out one by one.
Research shows that being in nature naturally promotes mindfulness by engaging our senses and quieting our inner narrator. The rustle of leaves, the warmth of the sun, the smell of pine—it pulls you out of your head and back into your body.
Not Just a Weekend Trend
Nature, mindfulness, and slower living aren’t just trendy wellness buzzwords. They’re tools – gentle, accessible tools – that help us feel more like ourselves. They reconnect us to the rhythms of the earth, the people we love, and the parts of ourselves we’ve maybe been neglecting.
So whether you’re a self-described wellness junkie or just someone who’s feeling a little fried, consider this your official invitation: go outside. Take a deep breath. Unplug. And maybe spend a night or two beneath the stars.
Your nervous system will thank you.
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