Micro-breaks to Rejuvenate the Soul
“The earth has music for those that will listen.” -William Shakespeare
I had been sitting at my desk all morning when both my dogs sashayed into my office and politely asked to go outside to play and take care of business. Because they have me trained so well, I immediately jumped up and complied. I opened the front door to let them out, and turned to get back to work, when I heard the reverberating sounds of a woodpecker. The pecks were too loud to ignore and I quickly scanned the trees and there he was: clinging to the side of a pine, pecking away. Perhaps he was foraging for his breakfast of insects and tree sap, or for all I know, communicating his desire to seek companionship.
He quickly began frolicking from tree to tree, and I was totally captivated. I stepped back inside the doorway to retrieve binoculars kept by every door for occasions such as this. I quickly adjusted the focus, and implementing the proper bird watching technique I was introduced to on a birding trip to Costa Rica. I spied the woodpecker again with my eyes, slowing raising the binoculars to my eyes. Walla! I captured an image so sharp, it made me smile, bringing back fond memories of my trip to the rainforest.
I paused, took a deep breath and stood on the porch allowing myself time to experience the beauty around me. I smelled the intoxicating aromas of the Jasmine plant hanging near by and heard an air boat on the Homosassa River, watching as it skimmed the tall sea grass on the edge of the water in search of wildlife. I enjoyed my dogs chasing one another as they raced up and down the stairs as if it were a jungle gym. I felt the dampness on my bare feet on the wooden stairs from the evening showers and took in the slight morning breeze.
After this quick break to reconnect with nature, I returned to my desk refreshed, feeling creative, inspired and eager to get back to work. The dogs stayed out a bit longer because my short respite only lasted less than five minutes. Short micro-breaks (2-5 mins) are proven to simnifically reduce cortisol levels and reset your mood.
I am so grateful living on the Nature Coast of Florida and am blessed to have this magic all around me. But “nature breaks” can happen where ever you are. It can be as simple as looking out the window, hanging pictures of nature throughout your home, or enjoying a short guided meditation walk through the forest. By using one or more of your senses while experiencing the wonders of nature, research shows it can relieve stress, produce feelings of enjoyment, and re-create a feeling of anew!
“Take time to see the woodpecker” is my new mantra. It doesn’t of course need to be a wood pecker you see, but being intentional and present to take the time and really “see” and experience the wondrous nature around you will serve you well.
If you would like more information on our Memory Ministry, Memory Cafe, or Family and Friends Education Workshops, please contact Vicky Pitner at vpitner@firstumc.org