Happy May Yogis!
Welcome to the season of outdoor lounging! I’ve been eagerly watching the forecast, waiting for the perfect moment to set up my hammock in the yard—transitioning from cozy fireside reading to basking in the sunshine and reading.
If you’re on the hunt for some great summer reads, here are a few gems to pick up from your local bookstore. Get ready to dive into these as soon as the warm weather shows up!
Nature Books I Love
1. Blue Mind: How Water Makes You Happier, More Connected and Better at What You Do
by Wallace J. Nichols
Discover the profound impact that water has on our mental and emotional well-being. Wallace J. Nichols explains why being near water can make us calmer, more connected, and better at what we do. This is one of my favorite books!
2. The Blue Zones of Happiness: Lessons From the World’s Happiest People
by Dan Buettner
While not exclusively about natural environments, this book offers valuable insights into how settings, including those rich in nature, contribute to our overall happiness and longevity. There are so many variation of this blue zones book now that I’m not sure exactly which one I read, but I am sure I loved it!
3. Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder
by Richard Louv
This pivotal book links the absence of nature in our digital age with troubling childhood trends. Richard Louv argues for the necessity of nature in our lives, making a strong case for the great outdoors’ restorative powers. It’s been awhile since I read this one, but it is compelling! Take your kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews, and go play outside!
Nature Books from My Reading List
1. The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative
by Florence Williams
Explore the compelling science behind nature’s remarkable effects on our brains. Florence Williams takes you around the world to uncover how being outdoors can lead to a happier, healthier, and more creative you.
2. Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness
by Dr. Qing Li
Immerse yourself in the practice of forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, and learn about its scientifically backed benefits. Dr. Qing Li’s research shows how simply being among trees can boost our immune system, reduce stress levels, and enhance our mood.
3. Your Brain On Nature
by Eva M. Selhub MD and Alan C. Logan
This compelling read examines how the outdoors can positively affect our health, relationships, and minds, providing a strong scientific basis for the benefits of nature immersion.
After you read one of these books and realize how much better off we’d all be spending more time outside, come join me at an outdoor yoga class! I try to make it as easy as possible for all of us to enjoy as much time in nature as possible.
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