As more and more people continue to suffer from anxiety, depression and insomnia, researchers are finding that spending time outdoors in nature has a very soothing and balancing effect on the nervous system and on the mind. The body’s ability to become entrained with the natural rhythms of the sun and the moon has been known for a millennium. As many us continue to spend the majority of our waking hours indoors and in front of an electric screen of some sort, the incidence of anxiety, depression and insomnia will continue to rise.
However, being on-call 24/7 doesn’t allow the body and mind to rest and unwind. In addition, by spending a vast majority of your time indoors, the natural circadian rhythm of the body and mind is disturbed, which makes it very difficult to slept. To make matters even more challenging, the blue light of most computer screens, televisions, portable devices, and cell phones directly prevents melatonin from being secreted by the pituitary gland. A healthy level of melatonin being secreted by the pituitary gland during the evening is critical to a healthy sleep-wake cycle.
An easy way to help your Yoga students regulate their endocrine system, and, in turn, establish a healthy circadian rhythm that is entrained with the natural world, is by spending time outside. By teaching Yoga classes outside, your students will receive the benefits of a well-rounded class, in addition to the balancing, calming and nurturing effects of spending time in nature. In Japan, this method of healing is known as nature therapy.
I love the simplicity and effectiveness of this idea. If you are fortunate enough to be able to spend time in nature, especially in a forested area where you’re ensconced by verdant, green trees, you probably notice how much more relaxed you feel when you return home. Recently, I came across a Japanese term, Shinrin-Yoku, which essentially means forest bathing. It is part of their ancient and time-tested method of healing by spending time in nature.
So, during the warmer months of the year, if you teach Yoga classes outside, you will quite easily, efficiently and effectively offer your students the benefits of forest bathing. To simply slow down, breath the fresh air and watch the leaves sway in the wind is soothing to the mind and the spirit. By simply teaching Yoga classes in a natural environment, you will be helping your students to heal physically and emotionally from a variety of challenging health situations, including anxiety, depression, anger, insomnia, and even high blood pressure!