Stressed, Overwhelmed, and Burned Out? It's Time to Hug A Tree (Seriously)

When was the last time you took a bath?

Even though I coach people on raising productivity while reducing stress, I've recently found myself feeling stressed and overwhelmed because of caregiver responsibilities.

So I decided to practice what I teach, and I took some nature baths. I live across the street from the beach, but I chose to be in the beauty of a botanical garden. I’ve loved gardens since my first trip to Japan years ago. The Japanese call this shinrin-yoku, and the medical community has caught up. 
I'm a lawyer, business consultant, and coach. I don't do or recommend anything that's not backed up by evidence. Science shows that being in nature can positively affect dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin levels. Trees release phytoncides, which can reduce blood pressure and inflammation.

Hugging trees for a few minutes can even help reduce feelings of isolation.  With my health history of dangerously high blood pressure when under extreme stress, strolling slowly around trees, hugging them, and breathing in the energy is medicine. I exhale in through my nose even more slowly than usual. I exhale through my nose or mouth, but I make the exhale longer than the inhale. If I can, I hug more than one tree. If there are no trees, I touch the leaves of plants gently and with respect. I stick my toes in dirt. If there's a body of water, I gaze at it and look at the reeds and moss.  

Feeling stuck or overwhelmed? You don’t have to be in a curated garden. Just go outside. Bask in the colors you see, listen to birds and insects you may never have heard before, smell flowers and grass, touch the earth beneath your feet and the water on your fingertips, and taste fresh air free from car exhaust.
Walk slowly. Breathe deeply. Leave the electronics in your pocket, but take a journal. I guarantee you’ll get some inspiration.
The woo woo works. Be a self-care, nature-bathing badass.