As the weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer, now is the perfect time to close your Chromebooks and reconnect with nature! Research from UC Davis Health has found a ton of benefits related to spending time outside. Taking a break in nature has been shown to increase your creativity and problem-solving skills, reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and boost your immune system.

Here are a few activities to try to get you out in nature:

– Take a walk without your phone! Fully immerse yourself in nature and turn off your brain for a bit to help improve your concentration and ground yourself in the moment.

– Take your lunch outside! Eating in nature may lead to a more enjoyable experience where you can better appreciate your meal. – Get creative! Draw or paint animals or landscapes, or let nature inspire a poem or song lyrics. If you enjoy writing in a journal, try doing this outside.