Nature Break

Sometimes, springtime can be a season of mixed feelings—“I want to relax” vs. “there’s so much spring cleaning to do.” However, when the weather this time of the year is sunny and breezy, I find it lifts my spirit. Like the song says, “Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy…”

So when the weather is so pleasant, why not take a break like I do? On Fridays, I eagerly plan for my weekends. I start by checking my community’s event calendar, filtering the activities I want to do…those that are free and outdoors. You can do the same. Typically you will find an event calendar for your community in your local newspaper or online. Check it out – Google your city, state and “event calendar” and see what you find. Here are just a few calendars for some communities outside the City of Houston: Conroe, TX, Galveston, TX, Kingwood, TX, Magnolia, TX, Sugarland, TX, and The Woodlands, TX.

So, why am I suggesting you do this? Scientific research has shown that taking a break from your work, or a project, and getting outside and into nature clears the mind and improves creativity, problem-solving skills, and overall health. More often than not, when I talk to job seekers who are frustrated with their job search, their immediate response is to increase productivity, not take a break. They think in order to get better results they need to increase productivity – write better cover letters, send more resumes, attend more networking groups, and so on. All important things to do, but they also need to stop and recharge their batteries if they want to succeed. See what the research shows –

Want to be more reative? Get back to nature by Sherry Baker, Health Sciences Editor for Natural News.comc

Why Getting Outside is So Good for You, Are You Nature-Deprived? by Jennipher Walters, certified personal trainer and fitness instructor

Spending Time in Nature Makes People Feel More Alive, Study Shows published in Science Daily

So why do we take vacations? To re-charge. We all somehow instinctively know this. However, most job seekers don’t think about vacate-ing on a regular or daily basis. But my advice is if the great outdoors is beckoning to you, don’t ignore it. It could be that your mind and body are telling you that it needs time to rejuvenate. And, if guilt creeps up on you and tries to convince you to stay indoors and just do more, remember, there is scientific research to back you up on why you need to spend some time outdoors with nature.

So turn off your computer and put your pen down for a while. Take a slow walk around the block, on a trail or at a park. Or, plan your outing for this weekend by reviewing your city’s event calendar. I guarantee that after spending your time in nature, you’ll feel energized to continue working towards your job search goals.

Now, may I sing one of my favorite John Denver songs to you?

If I had a tale that I could tell you,
I’d tell a tale sure to make you smile.
If I had a wish that I could wish for you,
I’d make a wish for sunshine for all the while.
Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy…

Josie Toth is a Regional Facilitator for Workforce Solutions. She facilitates job search skills and career exploration classes in the 13-county Houston-Galveston area. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and enjoys encouraging others in their pursuit of meaningful work.