Having been confined in our homes at various times over the past two years, we have become increasingly aware that our environment has a direct impact on our health and well-being. Reconnecting with the Earth and being in nature may be one of our best medicines to improve our physical, emotional and mental health.
A New Paradigm
Connor Moriarty, MS, LPC, founder of Reset Outdoors, an innovative counseling organization that incorporates the natural outdoor environment into its practice, had an epiphany several years ago. Years of working as a trauma specialist in very intense settings had taken a toll on Moriarty. On a fortuitous and picturesque summer afternoon as he was out kayaking on Lake Nockamixon with a friend, a question bubbled up inside him. Feeling the awe and peace of nature around him, Moriarty asked himself: “Why aren't we doing this with our clients and colleagues?” He realized it wasn't the work itself that had caused the burnout, but rather the work environment. He quickly dove into research and literature to find a vast amount of hard data that answered the question. Being in nature is medicine. Soon after, Reset Outdoors, which works with individuals as well as organizations, was born.
First and foremost, according to Moriarty, being in nature helps reduce stress quickly and measurably. Research emphatically supports the multitude of health benefits, including lowered blood pressure, reduced stress, a greater sense of well-being and better cognitive function—just to name a few. Being outdoors gives a sense of peace and connection and enables us to think more creatively, solve problems more effectively and can aid in improving trauma recovery and depression.
“We are firmly rooted in ethical professional standards and practices, but we are also able to stretch outside the standard parameters,” he says. “It allows clients to have a more active role in forming their therapeutic approach. Rather than fitting into a narrow set of rules, there is space for different cultural experiences, offering greater flexibility and empowerment for the client.”
At Reset Outdoors, clients are able to choose whether they want a conventional office setting or an outdoor environment, which is freeing for many in and of itself. When outside, clients are able to see the direct benefit of their environment through pre- and post-assessment tools, measuring clarity, reduced pain levels, mood improvements and a greater sense of well-being. “There is often a surprise in how familiar it feels, reconnecting with something they already know,” says Moriarty. “Setting the intentions and allowing one's attention to wander into the natural world are where powerful moments happen.”
And according to Moriarty, the benefits don't end there. “Being in nature, we can see and understand that we are inextricably connected with nature,” he says. “Our ability to thrive is contingent on the health of the natural world around us.” Understanding this, he believes both individuals and corporations can become better stewards to our Earth.
Modern Importance
Continuous exposure to high electromagnetic field frequencies from Wi-Fi, cell phones, computers and other electronics may be disrupting our systems more than we know. Radiation from harmful EMF can impact all the cells of the body, contributing to neurological issues, oxidative stress, chronic disease, fatigue, brain fog and depression.
What is Earthing?
Earthing is about reconnecting to the natural wavelength of the Earth's magnetic field to offset the more harmful EMF frequencies in our environment. When we are outdoors in our garden, in the woods or by the ocean, we are “grounding,” or rather connecting to that resonance. Interestingly, Earth's magnetic field resonates at the same frequency where our brain and body work best. It may be part of why we feel better after spending time in nature.
The term “Earthing” involves being in direct contact with the Earth or the frequency of the Earth's electromagnetic field. That could be laying in the grass, dipping your feet in the stream or walking barefoot. The theory is that the electrons from the Earth are able to flow into our bodies, helping neutralize free radical damage and providing a host of benefits, including reductions in cortisol levels, improved mood and better sleep. In addition to being in contact with the Earth, there is a whole host of Earthing/grounding technology, including mats, mattresses, pads, sheets and clothing.
These products are designed to simulate the same electromagnetic field as the Earth; while initial studies show some benefit, more studies are needed. And the fact that many of these technologies are plugged into outlets can bring with them a host of other problems.
EMF Protection
If you are concerned about EMF, some no-cost or low-cost things you can do to reduce exposure include turning off your Wi-Fi in your home at night while you sleep, getting an EMF protective cover for your smart meters and watching how you use your phone. It is good practice to keep your cell phone away from your body and out of your bedroom when sleeping at night. Additionally, use your speakerphone or EMF-friendly headsets to keep the phone away from your head.
Take Advantage
We can all create more outdoor opportunities vital for our well-being. “Living in the Lehigh Valley, unlike most urban areas, we are fortunate to have a multitude of parks, trail systems and green spaces within a 10–15 minute access to most everyone,” Moriarty says, noting that two hours a week outdoors is the sweet spot for optimizing our health. It doesn't have to be in the middle of the woods, or on top of a mountain—the key is getting in natural light. If there is a mobility issue or a safety concern preventing you from getting outside, taking a break and allowing yourself to gaze at an image of a beautiful landscape and listening to a nature soundtrack can still offer benefits.
Earthing, of course, is not a new practice, but rather a reflection of how much we have removed ourselves from our natural environment. The exact mechanisms of how being in nature provides tremendous health benefits may not be fully understood, but what is known is that being in nature and experiencing nature is key in supporting our mental, physical and emotional well-being.
Published as "Living Well" in the April 2022 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
