I know that nature is supposed to be good for you. Going outdoors for long walks to the park has helped me reduce my stress during the last few challenging years, after staying mostly at home. Studies show that even short periods of time spent outdoors helps reduce blood pressure, slows your breathing, and calms your nervous system. The benefits are endless.
Yet…the call of responsibility almost made me cancel my camping trip. An entire weekend felt indulgent. I had unfinished work around my apartment. I was worried about an ill family member. It’s not the lack of a wi-fi signal, but my inability to be productive that was hard for me. I didn’t feel like packing all of my camping and hiking gear (okay a little lazy).Once I was actually in my kayak, and heard just the sounds of insects trilling, I relaxed instantly. As I paddled in the calm and quiet lake, the only other sounds were splashing water by the dock and children laughing. I just sat and watched the blue sky for endless moments and time didn’t matter.
Here’s what I would have regretted if I didn’t listen to my inner GPS. I would have missed out on fun conversations with new people, sitting around a fire and looking at the stars and constellations, eating delicious grilled food that tastes better outdoors and with good company, listening to the rain outside when I was cozy in my sleeping bag, and most importantly, forgetting the daily hassles of life because my problems seemed very far away. Even a cool sip of water is so much more refreshing after a long hike. Sometimes Fear of Missing Out is helpful!
At the end of the weekend, I had a hard time leaving. I thought to myself I want to do this more often. Sometimes you have to just go for it, even if you have reasons making you hesitate. S’mores are waiting for you on the other side.
