By Ashley Johnson
I have decided…I’ve given up. The weather forecast is obnoxious, and Mother Nature can’t seem to make up her mind. It’s hot, it’s cool, it’s rainy, it’s dry as a bone for days on end. I water my garden, and then it rains. The Horse and Deer flies are divebombing me relentlessly. I. Give. Up.
I have decided…I’ve given up. The weather forecast is obnoxious, and Mother Nature can’t seem to make up her mind. It’s hot, it’s cool, it’s rainy, it’s dry as a bone for days on end. I water my garden, and then it rains. The Horse and Deer flies are divebombing me relentlessly. I. Give. Up.
To some, this might sound negative. To me, this is my version of throwing my hands up in the air to Elsa’s “Let It Go!”. What does this mean? I’ve been weeding my garden in the rain. I’ve been splashing through mud puddles in parking lots with my daughter. I’ve taken advantage of the heat by hanging out my laundry. Chores get completed earlier in the day so I can enjoy the AC in the afternoon. I enjoy the rare cool mornings after sleeping with my windows open. Have I decided that my garden is not a reflection of my success or failure in life in general? Well…honestly, I’m still working on that.
The weather has decided that we all must become more adaptable, whether we like it or not. So, regardless of the cards we get dealt this week, let’s soak it up, and make a splash.
Whether you are near an ocean, lake, pond, or stream, these can all be considered “Blue Spaces”. Not Eeyore blue, in fact quite the opposite! “We know there are four main ways that blue spaces benefit health – through physical activity, stress reduction, providing a space for socialization [and finally the] environmental factors that have a knock-on impact on our health.” says Niamh Smith, a researcher at GCU (Glasgow Caledonian University).
Even if you can’t physically go to a Blue Space, just the SOUND of it can help benefit you as well! Listening to a loop of a babbling brook, or ocean waves crashing can help restore you to a calm centered place and even improve your sleep.
Here are some tips on how you can take advantage of Blue Spaces this week, or make a splash in your own way:
Run through the rain. Are you made of sugar, or steel? I’ve decided for you. You’re stainless steel, you won’t melt! Don’t dodge the raindrops, embrace them. Nothing a quick change of clothes can’t fix.
Wet your whistle. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Replenish your electrolytes often if you’re spending time outside in the heat of the day.
Get a little wet behind the ears. Try a new watersport or polish up on an old favorite. Many of our Vermont State Parks have convenient rentals for kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. Or chances are you have a friend who might let you borrow one.
Test the waters. Find a public access point near you to sit and listen to a stream or brook.
Water under the bridge. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, using your phone, search for “pink noise”, or specifically water/wave sounds. Sit for a few minutes and focus on your breathing, while you listen to the constant sound of moving water.
Keep your head above water. Find a buddy to bring with you to enjoy a Blue Space near you. Take the opportunity to share a picnic, chat, and enjoy the water’s edge.
We can’t wait to see what kind of Blue Spaces you find this week.
“Water does not resist. Water flows.” – Margaret Atwood
We’ll see you on the PATH Ahead.